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Lead is a metal, and graphite is an allotrope (a form) of carbon. They are two different chemical elements, and they have quite different properties.
Lead is a soft, silvery metal. It's used in many applications, the primary one being in the manufacture of lead acid batteries. Those are the kind used in motor vehicles.
Carbon has several allotropes (or forms). One is graphite, the fine black powder that is used as a lubricant (particularly for lock mechanisms). Another is in the form of charcoal, and we use that as a filter medium and for barbeque fuel. Lastly, there is diamond. It is the hardest naturally occurring substance, and we use it as an industrial abrasive. Oh, and we also cut and polish the larger ones. And you know all about them....
As a close, graphite is also the substance in pencil lead. Back in the ancient world, the element lead was known, and it was also known that lead (the metal) could leave a mark on paper. Lead was adapted for and used in writing for a long time until it was replaced with powdered compressed graphite.
Need some links for lead and graphite? Got some for ya. They're to the Wikipedia articles of the same names. Surf on over and check things out.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Lead is a dense, metallic element often used in pencil casings. Graphite, on the other hand, is a form of carbon that is used as the core material in pencils. Graphite is softer and leaves a darker mark than lead.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoLead is an element of chemical symbol Pb. Graphite is made of pure carbon (C) atoms with weak bonds between layers. This is what allows graphite to be a good writing material, the layers slide off of each other with ease.
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What is the difference between graphite and nanotubes?
Graphite is an allotrope of carbon.Nanonotubes can be made from many other materials.
What element is present in lead graphite?
Graphite is a form of Carbon, so its carbon in lead graphite. Notice that lead itself is a different element but the term "lead graphite" is generally used for that black substance which makes the "lead pencils". Note that there is no lead in lead pencils, its carbon, in the shape of graphite.
What is the percentage of lead in lead pencil?
Lead pencils actually contain graphite, not lead. The "lead" in a pencil is a mix of graphite and clay.
Why is graphite mistaken for led?
Graphite is often mistaken for lead due to their similar appearance and use in pencils. Both graphite and lead leave behind marks when drawn on paper, but graphite is the actual material used in pencils, not lead. The misconception likely arose from historical confusion stemming from the use of the term "pencil lead" to describe graphite writing instruments.
A diamond and a pencil are made of what element?
A diamond is made of carbon, while a pencil is made of graphite.
Similarities between Graphite and Fullerenes?
difference between diamond graphite and fullrene
What is the difference between graphite and nanotubes?
Graphite is an allotrope of carbon.Nanonotubes can be made from many other materials.
What is the correct label for pencil lead?
The correct label for pencil lead is "graphite."
What element is present in lead graphite?
Graphite is a form of Carbon, so its carbon in lead graphite. Notice that lead itself is a different element but the term "lead graphite" is generally used for that black substance which makes the "lead pencils". Note that there is no lead in lead pencils, its carbon, in the shape of graphite.
What is the led part of the pencil made from?
The "lead" part of a pencil is made from a mixture of graphite and clay. Contrary to its name, there is actually no lead in pencils. Graphite is used because it creates a smooth mark on paper, while clay helps to bind the graphite together.
Are pencils made of lead or graphite?
both, lead is made of graphite.
What is the common name for graphite?
The common name for graphite is black lead.
How do lead pencils work?
Lead pencils use a thin piece of graphite (not actually lead) to leave marks on paper. When you write or draw with a pencil, the friction between the graphite and the paper causes small amounts of the graphite to rub off onto the paper, creating visible marks. The hardness of the graphite determines the darkness of the mark.
How can you tell the difference between graphite and galena?
Graphite is a soft, black mineral that leaves a streak on paper and is used in pencils. Galena is a lead-gray mineral that is heavy and often forms cube-shaped crystals. One way to distinguish them is by conducting a streak test - graphite will leave a black streak, while galena will leave a gray streak.
Why is the graphite in pencils called lead?
The graphite in pencils is called "lead" due to a historical misunderstanding. In the 16th century, graphite was thought to be a form of lead ore. Despite its incorrect naming, the term "lead" has persisted in reference to pencil graphite.
What are some of uses of graphite?
carbon and graphite are one in the same, graphite is a form of carbon a use for graphite is the lead in your pencil (it's not actually lead, it's graphite) and it is also a good lubricant ;)
Proper name for lead in a pencil?
Graphite.
