A match is used to start a fire, whether in a camp or at a home. It has been in use for very long time. A match consists of an oxidizer, a fuel, an igniter, glue, etc. Potassium chlorate is a commonly used oxidizer, while sulfur mixed with some organic binder is the fuel. When we strike the match against the side of the matchbox (the striking surface), friction between the head of the match and rough surface causes friction and match starts burning. The burning of a match generates energy in the form of light and heat. The chemical equation for lighting a match can be written as:
`2KClO_3 + 3S -> 2KCl + 3SO_2`
Carbon dioxide is also generated during the burning of organic matter, while the sulfur in the match oxidizes to sulfur dioxide (the smell that we get).
Thus, lighting a match generates light, heat, smell (due to `SO_2` ) and carbon dioxide, etc.
Hope this helps.
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