A fire can be made by rubbing two objects together such as rubbing two pieces of rock having rough surfaces. Which of the following statements explain why a fire can be made by rubbing two objects together?
(i) Friction slows down moving objects.
(ii) Fire gives out heat and light energy.
(iii) Friction produces heat.
(iv) Fire has no mass.

Options

A. (ii) only
B. (iii) only
C. (i), (ii) and (iii) only
D. (ii) and (iv) only

Explanation

To determine which statement explains why a fire can be made by rubbing two objects together, we need to analyze each option carefully.

1. **Understanding the process of creating fire through friction:**
- When two rough surfaces are rubbed together, they create friction.
- Friction is a force that opposes the motion of two surfaces in contact, and it generates heat.

2. **Evaluating each statement:**
- **(i) Friction slows down moving objects.**
- While this statement is true, it does not explain why fire can be made. It only describes a characteristic of friction.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is not the reason for fire production.

- **(ii) Fire gives out heat and light energy.**
- This statement is also true, but it describes the properties of fire rather than explaining how fire is produced through friction.
- **Conclusion:** This statement does not explain the process of creating fire.

- **(iii) Friction produces heat.**
- This statement directly relates to the process of creating fire. When two objects are rubbed together, the friction between them generates heat, which can ignite a fire.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is correct and explains why fire can be made by rubbing two objects together.

- **(iv) Fire has no mass.**
- This statement is irrelevant to the process of creating fire. It does not provide any explanation for how fire is produced.
- **Conclusion:** This statement does not explain the process.

3. **Final Answer:**
- The correct statement that explains why a fire can be made by rubbing two objects together is **(iii) Friction produces heat.**