2006-09-24 18:04:34 · 10 answers · asked by itsaloni 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Like the previous posters said, pencil lead is graphite
Read more of that here
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/7942sci4.html
2006-09-24 18:08:51 · answer #1 · answered by Neil 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If by active ingredient you're referring to what makes it black, then the answer is graphite.
Graphite is the stable form of carbon and is black in color.
Pencil leads are formed by combining fine powders of graphite (carbon black) and clay with water and forming a paste which is then extruded and baked to form the pencil rods. Lower concentrations of graphite cause there to be higher concentrations of clay and thus harder pencil leads -- yielding lighter lines when writing.
2006-09-24 18:34:54 · answer #2 · answered by T.M.I. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pencil lead is made up of graphite,,,,,,,,,, but the darkness of the pencil lead is depend upon the percentage of lead present in it,,,,,,,
for example 6H pencil have very less graphite in it,,,,,,, and it is very much adulterated by other ingredients,,,,,,
6B pencil have much of graphite in it,,,,, and it contains higher amount of graphite
2006-09-24 18:10:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is indeed graphite...which is only 1 step away from the
compound "lead".
Graphite is synthetically manufactured using glucosomine, which is then combined with zinc and copper, which produces lead.
The combination of zinc (h3co2m1) and copper (h2Cp3n3) creates a toxic element known as "dentrozite" which is chiefly responsible for lead poisoning. This element can paralyze the nerve endings that come into contact with lead and lead to further paralysis of the endocramatic narcissalys!
2006-09-24 18:08:20 · answer #4 · answered by Jor 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i don't think there are any active ingredients in pencil "lead"
most pencil leads are made mostly of graphite
graphite is mostly a form of carbon
2006-09-24 18:06:55 · answer #5 · answered by enginerd 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Graphite- carbon.
2006-09-24 19:32:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing in it is "active".
2006-09-24 18:12:08 · answer #7 · answered by wildraft1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
graphite
2006-09-24 18:05:30 · answer #8 · answered by jorluke 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
graphite
2006-09-24 18:05:09 · answer #9 · answered by holden 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
plumbum?
2006-09-24 18:28:23 · answer #10 · answered by marionette_presto 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋