Question

When the head of a match burns, chemical reaction is taking place. But a certain amount of energy is required to get this reaction started. This is the reactions activation energy. Describe where this energy comes from. What provides this energy?

Answer 1

Rubbing the match against a rough surface

The activation energy is provided by friction between surfaces

Step-by-step explanation:

Activation energy is the energy required to start a chemical reaction. It is the minimum energy that must be supplied for a reaction to proceed.

When we strike a match against a rough surface, what we are trying to do is to supply the required activation energy in the form of friction in order to get the combustion reaction started.

Hence, the activation energy for the combustion of a match head is supplied by friction when the match head is struck against a rough surface.