3. The coating on the head of a match is highly flammable. When it burns, it releases a great deal of energy. However, before the match can burn, it must gain a small amount of energy from a spark. That spark is typically produced by striking (rubbing) the match head against a rough surface. Sketch and describe a potential energy diagram that represents the striking and burning of the match. Remember to label the diagram with the energy changes that occur. Your answer must include the potential energy diagram and a written description. (Note: you do not have to use actual energy values.)

Question

3.	The coating on the head of a match is highly flammable. When it burns, it releases a great deal of energy. However, before the match can burn, it must gain a small amount of energy from a spark. That spark is typically produced by striking (rubbing) the match head against a rough surface. Sketch and describe a potential energy diagram that represents the striking and burning of the match. Remember to label the diagram with the energy changes that occur. Your answer must include the potential energy diagram and a written description. (Note: you do not have to use actual energy values.)

festinger · Answer

The question seems to be asking you to draw a energy profile for a reaction. Since the reaction is exothermic (releases energy), the reactant (match stick) will have more energy than the product (burnt ash).

However, we need to put in energy before the match burns by striking the match head. This can be visualized by having a higher energy level than that of the reactant.

So in all, you need to draw a curvy line that goes from reactant (medium energy) to intermediate (high energy) to product (low energy). Do you know how this will look like?