Phosphorus and Potassium chlorate

Matches contain a strong oxidizing agent, potassium chlorate, and a strong reducing agent, phosphorus. When an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent are mixed, they react violently and exothermically producing enough heat to ignite the match stick.

[eDorre]

Great photo and lesson! Thanks!

[*lynn]

Super idea for the theme. The match box is very attractive too!

[Chris]

Physics and Photo, nice :-)

[sally agnew]

Great :)

[Babs]

Clever.

[Henri Russell]

Interesting. I did not know that. Nice composition.

[Leslie]

love the box ...excellent set up and shot

[Rob Z]

Nicely composed.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

I love the bold contrast of the matchbox with the white background. A great concept carried out to perfection!

[Fr1da]

Very interesting !