Strike anywhere matches are a type of matches in which striking the match on any surface can cause it to ignite, not just the box that they come packaged in. These matches were popular in the past because they meant that it was much easier to start a fire when you don’t have a matchbox or other fire-start device.
However, these matches can be incredibly dangerous and therefore, many governments have made it illegal to sell, purchase, or transport these types of matches.
Any spark or friction capable of causing an ignition can turn a match into a potentially dangerous firestarter. Therefore, these types of matches present an increased danger of accidental fires, particularly with untrained users.
Furthermore, the ease of use and cheap cost of strike anywhere matches also makes them potentially attractive to arsonists. Because of this, many governments have passed laws that make it illegal to purchase or use strike anywhere matches.
Overall, the illegality of strike anywhere matches is for the benefit of public safety, to reduce the risk of accidental fires, and to discourage nefarious uses of these matches.
What are the different types of matches?
Matches are typically used to start a fire, but there are different types of matches designed for different uses. Traditional matches are made with a wooden stick and form the basis for all other match types.
Strike Anywhere Matches: Often referred to as “blue tip matches,” strike anywhere matches are treated with a special chemical that allows them to ignite when struck against almost any surface.
Safety Matches: Safety matches are made differently from strike anywhere matches, with the chemical that helps initiate the flame withheld from the matchstick itself and only applied to the box. This makes them much safer for everyday use.
Diamond Matches: Diamond matches are a more durable version of the traditional wooden match and are less hazardous than the other types. As the name implies, diamond matches are made with a diamond-tipped head, and they can be used several times with sufficient striking.
Book Matches: Book matches—also known as strike-on-box matches—are usually issued in packets containing several sticks. They are fairly safe, lightweight and easy to store.
Squeeze Matches: Also known as waterproof matches, squeeze matches come with two “legs” that can be bent for striking, allowing for greater flexibility and a smoother ignition.
Buckstrike Matches: Buckstrike matches provide a longer burning time than regular matches, and are typically used for jobs that require sustained contact with a precise flame, such as lighting large fireworks or lighting outdoor grills.
Flint Wheel Matches: Flint wheel matches provide a consistent flame with just one strike and are usually used to begin campfires or to light pipe tobacco.
Are strike on box matches the same as strike anywhere matches?
No, strike on box matches and strike anywhere matches are not the same. Strike anywhere matches are made differently than strike on box matches, and are designed to be able to be lit on any surface, even on other matches.
Strike on box matches must be struck against the special striking surface provided on the box. The ignition material on the matchbox is treated with a chemical mixture which helps the match to ignite when it comes in contact with the surface.
On the other hand, strike anywhere matches are made out of two chemicals, potassium chlorate and antimony sulfide. This combination produces friction heat and a spark when the head of the match is struck on a rough surface.
Therefore, strike anywhere matches can be lit on any safe and suitable solid surface.
What makes a match strike?
A match strike is a small, rectangular piece of sandpaper-like material typically found on the back of a matchbook or box of matches. It is also sometimes referred to as an ignition patch, ignitor, or abrasive surface.
This small patch is usually made of phosphorous-sulfur or red phosphorus, an oxidizing agent, and an abrasive such as glass or pumice.
When a matchstick is dragged along the strike, the friction produces heat, which causes the oxidizer in the patch to oxidize the phosphorus-sulfur. This reaction creates a spark, which lights the combustible material on the tip of the matchstick.
The spark and ensuing flame are also used to ignite grills, candles, and fireworks. Some strike plates even come with a small hole so that a match can be lit without having to open the box.
Why do matches smell so good?
The smell of matches comes from the chemical compounds used to ignite them. When the match is struck, these chemicals mix, causing a distinct smell. The smell is actually a combination of several distinct compounds: sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon disulfide.
These compounds are all released into the atmosphere, creating the smell many of us associate with matches.
The particular smell of matches has a unique charm, particularly because it evokes nostalgia. This smell is often associated with the memory of a loved one, such as a grandparent, who often used to strike matches in order to light a candle or the family fire.
For many people, the smell of matches brings a positive memory to mind, making them associate the smell with something positive and pleasant.
As well as chemical compounds, the wax that is used to coat matches also contributes to the smell. The wax is often a petroleum-based product, which can release its own unique scent. This can act as an accompaniment to the smell of the burning compounds, creating an even more enjoyable aroma for many people.
In short, matches smell pleasant because the chemicals used to ignite them mix together and the wax used to coat the matches can also add its own special scent. Many people also associate the smell with a positive memory, making it even more enjoyable.
Can you light a match with your fingernail?
No, it is impossible to light a match using your fingernail. Matches require a certain amount of friction to ignite, and fingernails are not strong or rough enough to provide that kind of friction. The rough surface of a match must be dragged against a hard surface such as a matchbox or even the back of a safety pin in order to create a spark that will ignite the match.
For this reason, there is no way to light a match with your fingernail.
What can matches be struck on?
Matches can be struck on a variety of surfaces, with the most common ones being matchboxes and matchbooks. They can also be struck on any rough, non-porous surface, including a granite countertop, a block of wood, cardboard, or even a thumbnail.
However, sulfur-tipped matches are designed to only be struck on special strike plates found on matchboxes, as striking them on other surfaces can damage the sulfur tip. Some strike-anywhere matches are designed to be struck on any rough surface and will not require special strike plates.
How do Striker matches work?
Striker matches are a type of football (soccer) match that consists of two teams of five players each playing in an enclosed arena. Each team consists of one goalkeeper, four outfield players, and the ball.
The primary objective in each match is to score more goals than the opposition.
The match begins with a kickoff, which is taken from the center spot. The goalkeeper is then able to freely roam as an outfield player, attempting to stop any incoming shots from the opposition. The outfield players can move freely around the pitch, passing, dribbling, and shooting at the opposition’s goal.
All kicks and passes must remain within the boundaries of the pitch, otherwise the ball is brought back to the center for a re-start.
The match lasts for five minutes, with no breaks in play. If a team scores a goal, a new ball is brought out and the match is restarted from the middle spot. The game is ended when five minutes has passed, or when one of the teams has achieved a higher score than the other.
The team with the highest score at the end of the five-minute game is declared the winner, and is given one point. The team with the lowest score is given no points. In the case of a tie, the game is sent into extra time, where the teams battle it out in 10-minute blocks, until one team holds a higher score than the other.
This continues until a winner is declared.
What are the parts of a matchbox called?
Matchboxes include several distinct parts that serve different purposes. The interior of the matchbox contains a striker strip and the matches themselves. The striker strip is a narrow strip of sandpaper-like material that runs along the inside of the matchbox lid.
This strip is used to strike the head of each match against, creating the spark to ignite it.
The outside of a matchbox may also feature a logo or branding from the manufacturer, but the most important feature is a phosphor material coating the outside of the matchbox. This nonflammable substance is actually the material that produces the spark when the striker strip is engaged, allowing the match to light even if the spark is not visible.
The lid and bottom of a matchbox are also important parts. The lid provides a surface against which the striker strip is engaged, while the bottom holds the striking material in place and helps to keep the matches themselves safely away from the igniting phosphor until they are ready to be lit.
Are matchstick heads poisonous?
No, matchstick heads are not poisonous. On the contrary, matchsticks contain phosphorus and sulfur, which are both natural elements and are not toxic. It is the smoke from burning matches that is dangerous, as the smoke may contain toxic fumes.
The danger increases when matches are burned in a sealed container. In that case, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide gases are released, all of which are harmful and can lead to serious health issues, including death.
Therefore, it is important to ensure good ventilation whenever burning matches.
How does a matchstick burn?
When a matchstick is lit, the heat of the flame causes the red phosphorus on the matchstick’s head to break down, releasing phosphorus pentoxide and heat. This reaction also releases a highly flammable gas called phosphine.
The burning phosphorus and phosphine gases combine with oxygen in the air to form carbon dioxide, water, and more heat -all of which drive the flame to burn brighter and hotter. When the heat of the flame becomes too intense, it causes the remaining match head ingredients to rapidly decompose and decompose into more carbon dioxide, water and energy.
The heat of the flame also melts the matchstick’s wax, which fuels the flame, making it last even longer. Ultimately, all that’s left when the flame burns out is a pile of ashes.
Which chemicals are used for rubbing surface of matchstick?
The chemicals used for rubbing the surface of a matchstick are usually phosphorus sesquisulfide (yellow phosphorus) and potassium chlorate. The surface of the matchstick is usually composed of a mixture of these two chemicals, nitrate, and adhesive.
The phosphorus sesquisulfide and potassium chlorate produce a reaction that creates heat, allowing fire to be created from the friction of striking the match. The nitrate helps stabilize the reaction, and the adhesive helps the phosphorus sesquisulfide and potassium chlorate cling to the matchstick.
It also helps reduce the friction necessary to start the flame. Matchsticks without the adhesive have difficulty starting fires as the phosphorus sesquisulfide and potassium chlorate can rub off easily.
The addition of the adhesive increases the success rate of the strike and ensures that the match lights reliably.
How were the friction matches invented?
The invention of modern friction matches is credited to British chemist John Walker in 1826. He was trying to create a way to produce a steady and controllable flame to be used in fireworks. He took a piece of a cardboard soaked in a solution of antimony sulfide, potassium chlorate and gum, let it dry and then rolled it until it looked like a small stick.
After rubbing it against any rough surface, the external layer of the stick burned and produced a flame that could be controlled by the user.
The friction match was improved over the years until they achieved the form we know today: a small cardboard stick with potassium chlorate and sulfur, and a match head coated with phosphorus sulfide.
This match was created by Frenchman Charles Sauria in 1832 and began to be used for lighting tobacco pipes and cigars.
The invention of the friction match revolutionized fire-starting. Prior to this, fire had to be started using flint and steel, or by keeping a burning coal from a previous fire alive in order to light other candles, lanterns, and pipes.
The invention of our modern matches achieved what many had been working toward for decades and ended up being one of the greatest contributions to fire starting of all times.
What were old matches made of?
Prior to the 1880s, matches were made of wooden sticks tipped with a material that contained a high concentration of phosphorus. This material was often referred to as “lucifers”, which was derived from Lucifer, the King of Hell in Dante’s Inferno.
Different brands of lucifers contained varying amounts of phosphorus, which is highly combustible. For ignition, the stick would be struck against a box of sandpaper, producing a spark that ignited the phosphorus.
Though they were cheap and easy to use, lucifers were highly dangerous and had to be carefully handled. If a phosphorus-based match was dropped, it could easily ignite combustible material. This made them particularly hazardous in areas where coal or oil were commonly found, so many countries outlawed the sale of lucifers.
In the 1880s, a major improvement in match technology was made when a process for producing matches from cardboard and splints was developed. Matches of this type had the added advantage of being much less dangerous and could be fumigated to make them fire-retardant, greatly reducing their risk of igniting combustible material when dropped.
This style of match remained the primary type of match in use until the mid-twentieth century when matches made of synthetic materials began to be used.
Are matches toxic to humans?
Matches can be toxic to humans depending on the type of match and how it is used. Regular kitchen or safety matches are not typically toxic to humans because the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted is usually low.
However, when large amounts of matches are burned, the amount of sulfur dioxide can become hazardous to those with respiratory diseases. Additionally, matches made with phosphorus are highly toxic, as phosphorus is a known poison, and it can release dangerous gases when burned.
Matches can also be dangerous if swallowed, as the sulfur dioxide fumes can irritate the digestive system and could potentially lead to burns. Matches should be stored in a safe, dry place to prevent accidental ingestion, and they should be disposed of properly after use.
Why are matches red?
Matches are typically red because that color is a strong visual cue, making it easier to find them in the dark. Red is also associated with fire and heat, so it makes the matches seem like a more powerful tool for lighting fires, even though the actual color doesn’t have any effect on the match’s ability to light.
Additionally, historically, matches were more likely to light on the first attempt if they had a red tip. While this is no longer the case, the red color is still used as an API to show that the match is ready and easy to use.
Finally, some research also suggests that red matches are easier to ignite than their non-red counterparts, so it may be a safer and more reliable choice, especially when lighting quick and easy fires.
How were matches used in the 1800s?
Matches were invented in the early 1800s and quickly became increasingly popular due to their convenience. Prior to that, sticks of phosphorus or sulfur-tipped end had to be lit on fire for use. In 1805, John Walker of Stockton-on-Tees, North East England mixed some gum, sulfur, and potassium chlorate together and made a paste on the end of a stick which he then gave to his friends as “sulfur match sticks”.
This was the start of the modern match which could be easily ignited and would burn.
In the 1800s, matches were very basic compared to the matches we use today. They were made of wood splints with a tip of sulfur-chlorate coated in a solution of phosphorus and potash. This solution was highly combustible and would catch fire when struck against a suitable surface.
Not only were they less reliable than today’s matches, they were also very dangerous. Phosphorus fumes were released during production which often caused a wide range of health issues including fever, yellow discoloration of the skin, and even death.
They were also known to ignite spontaneously which caused involuntary fires and explosions.
Despite these drawbacks, matches were an incredibly important invention for the 1800s and were used for a wide range of purposes. Before matches, lighting a fire was very labor-intensive and often took a long time.
With matches, anyone could instantly light a fire or candle without much fuss. This allowed for a much greater range of applications for fire. Matches quickly became an essential part of everyday life and enabled people to carry out tasks such as lighting furnaces, heating stoves, and cooking meals much more quickly.
Did they have matches in the 1700s?
Yes, the use of matches to create fire dates back to the 18th century. The most primitive form of matches used in the 1700s were friction matches. These were made from pieces of wood tipped with sulfur and were created by making the wood pieces rub together until a spark was produced, thus creating a flame.
In 1826, British chemist John Walker created the friction match, which used chemicals to make a spark. By the mid-1800s, matches had become a popular household item, and had been commercialized by several factories.
To this day, the process of making matches is still relatively similar to what was used in the 1700s.
Are matches made from poplar wood?
No, matches are not typically made from poplar wood. Although poplar is a useful and popular wood for commercial building and crafting projects, it is not commonly used to make matches. Matches are far more commonly made using a type of wood called aspen or sometimes white birch.
Aspen wood is usually selected for match production due to its light weight, availability, low cost and resistance to shrinking. This type of wood is easy to process into the shape and size required for the creation of matchsticks.