Which line from the text shows the problem with the first matches? a sudden gust of wind or a sudden shower would put it out. it could be lighted only by hard rubbing, and it sputtered and threw fire in all directions. it is called friction-chemical because it is made by mixing certain chemicals together and rubbing them. but the flame, however faithfully watched, would sometimes be extinguished.

Line 2 bshows the problem with the first matches because it explains that they sputtered and threw fire in all directions and that is dangerous because it can set clothes or any other objects on fire.

Option B. The following line from the text shows the problem with the first matches: "It could be lighted only by hard rubbing, and it sputtered and threw fire in all directions."

Explanation:

The text, which tells the history of how matches were developed not only talks about how in primitive days men would get fire with the help of nature as they did not have the means to produce a match by themselves, but it also talks about the inventor of the match, an English druggist called John Walker. In his first attempt, the druggist discovered that by tipping a splint with a group of chemicals and by them rubbing it on sandpaper, flames of fire were produced. The problem with this first match was that it could be lighted only by hard rubbing, and that it sputtered and threw fire in all directions, making it unsafe for the everyday uses.

they fear for their lives