π Inventions and machines π§ Machines and tools
Matches
π In short
A match is a small stick of wood or cardboard with a tip of chemicals that catch fire when rubbed on a rough surface, used to light stoves or candles. But it's never a toy!
π€© Did you know?
- A match tip catches fire at about 182 degrees.
- Paper matchbooks were invented in 1892.
- The safety match was invented in Sweden in 1844.
- Millions of matches are made every day around the world.
π Find out more
π How does it light?
When we rub the match tip on the rough strip on the side of the box, friction heats it, the chemicals catch fire, and then the wood burns.
π The safety match
Old matches lit when rubbed on any surface and caused many fires. Then the safety match was invented in Sweden, which only lights on the box's special strip.
π‘ Before matches
Long ago people made fire by rubbing two pieces of wood together, or striking flint against iron to make sparks. It was hard and took time.
π― Fire isn't for playing
Matches are dangerous for children and can cause burns and fires. If you find a box of matches, don't play with it, and give it to a grown-up straight away.
𧩠Test yourself
1 What do you do if you find a box of matches?
2 How did people make fire long ago?
3 A match tip catches fire at about ?? degrees.
4 Which picture shows βMatchesβ?
π Discover more
π· Picture sources: Wikimedia Commons
- Yann SEGALEN Β· CC BY-SA 4.0
