The Chemistry of Matches Explained While a Match Head Burns in Super Slow Motion

Reactions explained the chemistry of matches while a match head ignites and burns in super slow motion. The process of lighting the match takes just tenths of a second, but a high-speed camera stretches that out into a two-minute video.

To fire up the grill or the gas stove, we often reach for a match. It turns out there’s a lot of chemistry going on to make those little wooden wonders work. The best way to find out about the chemistry of burning matches is to watch it in ultra-slow motion.

In 2014, the blog Compound Interest created an infographic that similarly explains the chemistry of matches.

Chemistry of Matches

image via Compound Interest

Glen Tickle
Glen Tickle

Amelia's dad. Steph's husband. Writer, comedian, gentleman. Good at juggling, bad at chess.