The correct answer is B. Phosphorus.
Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. It is a non-metallic, pale yellow, odorless, tasteless, and highly flammable element. Phosphorus is the most reactive of all the non-metals and is classified as a metalloid. It is found in nature in the form of phosphate rocks, which are used to make fertilizers and other chemicals.
Phosphorus is used in the manufacture of
safety matches because it is highly flammable. When phosphorus is struck against a rough surface, it produces a spark that ignites the match head. The match head is made of a mixture of phosphorus sesquisulfide, potassium chlorate, and glue. When the match is struck, the phosphorus sesquisulfide decomposes, releasing sulfur dioxide gas. The sulfur dioxide gas reacts with the potassium chlorate to produce heat, which ignites the glue. The glue then ignites the match head, causing it to burn.Graphite is a form of carbon that is made up of layers of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Graphite is a soft, black, and slippery material that is used in a variety of applications, including pencils, lubricants, and electrodes. Graphite is not used in the manufacture of safety matches because it is not flammable.
Silicon is a chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a non-metallic, tetravalent metalloid and semiconductor. Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, after oxygen. It is found in nature in the form of silicon dioxide, which is the main component of sand and quartz. Silicon is used in a variety of applications, including semiconductors, solar cells, and glass. Silicon is not used in the manufacture of safety matches because it is not flammable.
Sodium is a chemical element with the symbol Na and atomic number 11. It is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal. Sodium is found in nature in the form of sodium chloride, which is common table salt. Sodium is used in
a variety of applications, including food additives, soaps, and batteries. Sodium is not used in the manufacture of safety matches because it is not flammable.