What energy transformation is shown in a burning matchstick? A. mechanical energy – light energy B. electrical energy – mechanical energy C. heat energy – light energy – sound energy D. chemical energy – heat energy – light energy
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: D. Chemical energy → Heat energy → Light energy
When a matchstick burns, it demonstrates a classic example of energy transformation, beginning with chemical energy and converting into heat and light energy. Let’s break this process down in detail.
A matchstick contains a head made of chemicals like potassium chlorate and sulfur, which store chemical energy. This energy is potential energy stored in the chemical bonds of the substances. When you strike the match against a rough surface (usually coated with red phosphorus), friction generates enough heat to initiate a chemical reaction between the match head’s components.
Once ignited, a combustion reaction occurs. During combustion, the chemical energy stored in the match head is released in the form of heat energy (also called thermal energy). This heat is what causes the match to continue burning, allowing the flame to persist and even transfer to another object (like a candle or paper).
In addition to heat, light energy is also produced — that’s the visible flame we see. The flame is the result of heated gases glowing at high temperatures, emitting light. Sometimes, a small amount of sound energy might also be released (like a faint crackling), but it is minimal and not a primary form of energy in this case.
Thus, the full transformation can be described as:
Chemical Energy (stored in the match) → Heat Energy (due to friction and combustion) → Light Energy (visible flame) → (and sometimes minimal sound energy)
This transformation illustrates how stored energy in substances can be converted into usable energy forms such as light and heat. This principle is applied widely, from cooking and lighting to engines and industrial processes. Therefore, Option D correctly represents the primary energy transformation in a burning matchstick.