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Ancient writing instruments were actually pieces of lead, but modern pencils contain graphite mixed with clay. The mixture's color is a lot like that of lead and it makes marks like a piece of lead, so the word is still used.

The number indicates how hard the mixture is. #2 "lead" is fairly soft and is used for ordinary writing. #4 pencils are very hard and take an extremely fine point but are difficult to use for writing because they can actually cut through paper if pressed hard enough. They're used primarily in things like art and drafting, where a thin line is needed and the user is going to be very careful.

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16y ago

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Related Questions

Is 0.7 mechanical pencil lead equal to a number 2 pencil lead?

Yes!!!


Why is the number 2 pencil still number 2 if it is the most popular?

The 2 is the number of the lead in the pencil.


What does No 2 Pencil stand for?

number 2 describes the thickness of the lead, and darkness of the lead


How many cubic inches of lead in a pencil?

None. It is graphite not lead in a pencil. How much graphite in a pencil? About 2/3 cubic inch (=6" x pi * (3/16)^2)


What size millimeter is the lead of a no 1 pencil?

.There are so many units of length.2 mm is the lead of a no 1 pencil .


How was the number 2 pencil named?

It has to do with the kind of graphite or material used as the lead for the pencil.


What is a number 2 pencil?

The # is reference to the hardness of lead A number 2 pencil is averagely hard aka HB


What are 2 physical properties of pencil lead?

Two physical properties of pencil lead are its gray color and its smooth, solid texture.


How do you tell a 2 soft pencil?

A 2 soft pencil refers to the hardness level of the pencil lead. A 2 soft pencil will have a softer lead that is darker and smoother to write with compared to harder pencils. The number 2 is typically used in the United States to indicate medium softness, while in other countries, the same pencil may be labeled as HB.


How can you determine if an unmarked pencil has number 2 lead?

To determine if an unmarked pencil has number 2 lead, you can perform a simple test by making a mark on a piece of paper with the pencil. Then, use your fingernail to gently rub the mark. If the mark is dark and shiny, it is likely number 2 lead, as number 2 lead creates a distinct mark that is easily smudged. Additionally, you can also check for the presence of the number "2" or "HB" on the pencil itself, as these markings are commonly used to indicate number 2 lead.


What is the driffrent numbers on the side of the pencils for?

The number of the pencil is based on the type of carbon lead used inside. The thicker the carbon lead gets the higher the number of the pencil becomes. If you notice a mechanical pencil is 0.9mm in diameter so it would be called a #0.9 pencil. A #2 pencil's lead is 2mm in diameter. So Why would we call a pencil a #3 pencil? Because it's lead is 3mm in diameter.


What is an object that thick 2 millmeter?

The lead of a common pencil.