If I struck a match in outer space....?

Question

What would happen?

They say fire needs fuel, heat and oxygen to burn. but theres no oxygen in outer space right? so nothin happens?


What if i lit a lighter???

Answer 1

I believe that modern matches have an oxidizer chemically contained in the match head. This may be potassium chlorate. That means that it does not need additional oxygen from air to light. That is why a matchbook explodes into flames even if you try to smother it when the matchheads are burning. Once the head is burnt, it relies on air to burn the rest of the paper or wooden stick. The head probably would ignite in a vacuum such as in space, but it would quickly extinguish. A lighter does not have an oxidizer, and so it would not light in the vacuum of space.

Answer 2

If you are in space ( not inside a space craft ) nothing would happen. both a match and a lighter needs oxygen. A rocket ship has its own oxygen to help with the fuel burning

Answer 3

Lighter have fuel but not oxygen,so no flame