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Another answer on answers.com claims, "It's a common misconception that pencil lead is or has ever been constituted of the element lead. It's true that thousands of years ago the element lead was formed into cylinders and used to make marks on papyrus, however, wooden pencils or any instrument since does not use lead (lead is a heavy metal and using pure lead in form can cause major health problems with extended exposure). Pencils now are made of graphite or some other pigment. However, graphite in solid form was discovered in the 16th century and at the time was thought to be some type of lead, which is why many people today still call pencil lead: lead."
This seems to be the most plausible explanation.
What else can I help you with?
What can be made of graphite?
Graphite is pure carbon. A diamond is also pure carbon in a very specific crystal. Yet diamonds do not conduct electricity and graphite does. Graphite can form in plate like arrays of hexagonal crystals and in an amorphous, powdery form.
What element element is in the carbon family often mistaken for the end of your pencil?
Pencils use Graphite, not lead. Graphite is made of carbon, and no one mistakes a pencil of having carbon. They may mistake it of having lead, in which it is corrected that pencils no longer use lead-but instead use Graphite, which is made of carbon. It is not often mistaken that a pencil is made of carbon. Because it is made of carbon, so how you can make a mistake by thinking the pencil is made of graphite? Its true, not a mistake. This riddle is probably backwards? Or its just a trick question, I dont even know.
What allotrope of carbon is used to make pencils?
yea. actually graphite, allitopes element of carbon. its not really all LEAD
Why can pencil lead can be used to make a light bulb?
A "pencil lead" is a mixture of the graphite allotrope of carbon mixed with clay and baked hard. While a pencil lead will conduct electricity, it can not be used to make a light bulb.
What atoms make graphite in pencil?
Though the archetypal pencil was an artist's brush, the stylus, a thin metal stick used for scratching in papyrus or wax tablets, was used extensively by the Romans,[3] and for palm-leaf manuscripts.
What are the properties that make graphite suitable for use in pencil lead?
Graphite is suitable for use in pencil leads because it is soft and brittle, allowing it to be easily deposited onto paper when writing. It also has a low coefficient of friction, resulting in smooth writing experiences. Additionally, graphite leaves a dark mark on paper due to its opaque and reflective properties.
What mineralis used to make this led in a pencil?
The mineral used to make the "lead" in a pencil is graphite. Graphite is a form of carbon that is known for its ability to leave marks on surfaces, making it suitable for writing and drawing.
What mineral make the lead in a pencil?
Graphite is the mineral that is used to make the lead in a pencil. Despite its name, pencil "lead" is actually composed of graphite mixed with clay.
Why is carbon used in a pencil?
Carbon is used in a pencil because it leaves a mark by transferring from the pencil's graphite to the writing surface. The carbon is mixed with clay to give it structure and make it suitable for writing. The carbon in pencils is commonly referred to as graphite.
Why is graphite in pencil mixed with clay?
To make it harder. Pure graphite would be too soft for use as a writing pencil.
What mineral is used to make pencil lead?
Graphite is the mineral that is used to make pencil lead. It is a form of carbon that is known for its ability to make marks on paper.
What element is used to make the leads in pencils?
Lead is a misnomer when talking about pencils. What you're actually writing/drawing with is graphite. Lead was neverused in the making of pencils.
What can be made of graphite?
Graphite is pure carbon. A diamond is also pure carbon in a very specific crystal. Yet diamonds do not conduct electricity and graphite does. Graphite can form in plate like arrays of hexagonal crystals and in an amorphous, powdery form.
What mineral is used for making pencil lead?
What is the mineral used in the pencil that you write with? Graphite.
Is graphite used to make pencils?
Graphite is what is put inside a pencil. The outer casing of a pencil is usually wooden.
How do you make pencil lead by using charcoal?
pencil lead is not charcoal but rather graphite molded with clay and hardened
Does the pencils closes make low or high sounds?
Pencil closures typically make low sounds due to the friction between the pencil's wood and graphite. The hardness of the graphite can also affect the pitch of the sound when the pencil is being closed.
