Why do matches light when you strike them?

When you strike a match , you rub the head of the match against the rough surface on the side of the matchbox. This makes the head of the match get hot. The head contains substances that burst into flame when they get get hot.

As the head of the match moves over the rough surface , the molecules in the head and the surface collide with each other .In the tip of a match stick there is present a mixture of antimony sulphide and sulphur. In the sides of the matchboxes potassium is present which is needed to make the head of the match catch fire . While striking a chemical reaction occurs resulting in the production of a lot of heat. Hence the match catches fire.