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Is lighting a match a chemical or physical change?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking whether the process of lighting a match involves a chemical change or a physical change. This involves understanding the nature of the reactions that occur when a match is struck.

Answer

Chemical change

Lighting a match is a chemical change.

Answer for screen readers

Lighting a match is a chemical change.

More Information

When lighting a match, the heat generated by friction initiates a chemical reaction involving potassium chlorate and red phosphorus, eventually causing the match to ignite and combust. This is indicative of a chemical change as new substances are formed.

Tips

A common mistake is assuming that the initial act of striking the match is purely physical; while friction is a physical process, the resulting combustion is a chemical change because it creates new substances.

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