<P> A match is a tool for starting a fire . Typically , modern matches are made of small wooden sticks or stiff paper . One end is coated with a material that can be ignited by frictional heat generated by striking the match against a suitable surface . Wooden matches are packaged in matchboxes , and paper matches are partially cut into rows and stapled into matchbooks . The coated end of a match , known as the match `` head '' , consists of a bead of active ingredients and binder ; often coloured for easier inspection . There are two main types of matches : safety matches , which can be struck only against a specially prepared surface , and strike - anywhere matches , for which any suitably frictional surface can be used . Some match - like compositions , known as electric matches , are ignited electrically rather than from friction . </P>
<P> A match is a tool for starting a fire . Typically , modern matches are made of small wooden sticks or stiff paper . One end is coated with a material that can be ignited by frictional heat generated by striking the match against a suitable surface . Wooden matches are packaged in matchboxes , and paper matches are partially cut into rows and stapled into matchbooks . The coated end of a match , known as the match `` head '' , consists of a bead of active ingredients and binder ; often coloured for easier inspection . There are two main types of matches : safety matches , which can be struck only against a specially prepared surface , and strike - anywhere matches , for which any suitably frictional surface can be used . Some match - like compositions , known as electric matches , are ignited electrically rather than from friction . </P>
what is the tip of matches made of
what is the tip of matches made of
a bead of active ingredients and binder
a bead of active ingredients and binder