When you light a fire with a match, you’re utilizing several forms of energy.
First and foremost, there’s the chemical energy present in the match itself. The match head contains chemicals that ignite when struck, releasing energy in the form of heat. This heat is crucial as it begins the combustion process.
Once the match is lit, the heat from the burning match converts to thermal energy, which is necessary to ignite the materials you’re trying to burn, such as wood or paper.
Additionally, the process of lighting a match also involves mechanical energy when you strike it against a rough surface to ignite it. This mechanical action creates friction, which produces the initial heat needed to start the fire.
In summary, lighting a fire with a match primarily uses chemical energy, thermal energy, and mechanical energy. All these energy transformations are essential for successfully starting a fire.