What's Inside: Strike-Anywhere Matches and the Science Behind Them-WIRED?

Strike-anywhere matches are matches that light up when you rub them on almost any surface, no need for a special box or striker.

Imagine you have a matchstick, which is like a tiny, dry stick. On the tip of it, there’s a special powder called phosphorus. When you rub it against something rough, like your shoe or a table, that motion makes the powder create tiny sparks, kind of like when you strike two rocks together and they make a flash.

These tiny sparks are enough to light up the matchstick, which then burns and gives off heat and light. It’s like giving the matchstick a little push so it starts running, just like how you need a little push to start running too!

• The phosphorus on the tip of the match is what starts the fire.
• Rubbing the match creates tiny sparks.
• These sparks light up the matchstick, and it burns.

So, strike-anywhere matches are like a little fire engine you can carry in your pocket, all you need is a little rub, and poof! You’ve got fire.