Which of the following substances is used in match sticks?

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Which of the following substances is used in match sticks? Answer: Phosphorus

• Phosphorus is a key ingredient in modern matches. The striking surface on the side of a matchbox contains red phosphorus, which is an allotrope of the element. • When a safety match is struck, the friction generates heat that converts a small amount of the red phosphorus into white phosphorus. This white phosphorus is highly volatile and ignites in the air, creating the initial flame. • While not on the match head of safety matches, phosphorus is the crucial component for ignition on the striking surface.

Question context

This question is part of 🔬 General Science within the broader 🌐 Current Affairs & GK subject and appears in the Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) preparation collection. Reviewing the answer together with nearby questions helps reinforce the underlying concept and identify how it may appear in competitive exams.