Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: paul.fr on 23/11/2008 20:56:09

Title: Why can you not strike a light with a wet match?
Post by: paul.fr on 23/11/2008 20:56:09

Sounds a silly question, but, why don't wet matches strike a light?

Title: Why can you not strike a light with a wet match?
Post by: lightarrow on 23/11/2008 21:58:29

Quote from: Paul. on 23/11/2008 20:56:09

Sounds a silly question, but, why don't wet matches strike a light?

Because of Murphy's law: when you really need something, it doesn't work.  [;)]
The reason is friction: to light it, temperature must reach a minimum value and it doesn't reach high temperatures if it's wet, the max temp it can reach is 100°C (water boiling point).