Are You Curious About How Graphite in a Pencil Leaves a Mark on Paper?

  • Thread starter Thread starter seve
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Graphite Paper
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the mechanism by which graphite in a pencil leaves a mark on paper, focusing on the properties of graphite and the physical interactions involved in writing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the role of friction and the structural properties of graphite, questioning how these factors contribute to the marking process on paper.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered insights regarding the role of friction and the structure of graphite, with some suggesting that the cleaving of layers contributes to the marking. There is an ongoing exploration of these concepts without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has a deadline for their answer, which may influence the urgency of the responses and the nature of the discussion.

seve
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
How does the graphite in a pencil leave a mark on a sheet of paper? Any ideas? My answer is due tomorrow, so a clue or answer would be great.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I would say that the friction is the main cause of the writing. When graphite is pushed down on paper, a force leaves marks on the paper, which would only happen with friction.
 
seve said:
How does the graphite in a pencil leave a mark on a sheet of paper? Any ideas? My answer is due tomorrow, so a clue or answer would be great.

Thanks

It is because of the structure of graphite. As graphite is made of Carbon they must bond together. The Carbons form 3 bonds, but carbon should form 4 with each otehr, therefore there is a free electron to move and be put on the paper. Also, as graphite is layers of carbon, some layers come off as well.

As a pencil is pulled along a piece of paper it leaves the graphite there.

Hope that helps.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
Friction and shear cause cleaving between loosely bound sheets in the graphite lattice.
 

Similar threads

Can Graphite Be Used as a Vibration Sensor?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Can We Make PCB Using Paper And Pencil?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
A very simple moments question
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
8K
Sources for Physics Research Paper on Rotational Blade Motion on Helicopter
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Basic understanding of Graphite-Water reactors
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
The angle at which a skier will leave the sphere
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
The advisory speed for a car on a sloped bend
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Kinematic in Quadratic Form Equation (missing something simple)
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Pencil movement on a no-friction table
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Electronics DIY Electric Lighter: Building with Alligator Clips and Pencil Resistors
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
6K