Final answer:
Striking and lighting a match converts potential energy into thermal energy during a chemical reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a person strikes and lights a match, the potential energy in the match is transformed into thermal energy. This process is an example of a chemical reaction, where the stored chemical potential energy in the match head is released through the combustion process when struck against a suitable surface, producing heat and sometimes light as well. Kinetic energy is also involved as the motion of striking the match contributes to the energy needed to initiate the chemical reaction.