I always wondered why
and whats the difference is
2007-03-06 11:18:40 · 9 answers · asked by babyblue2pie 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
How can I tell if I'm using a #2 Pencil Led is there a way to tell
2007-03-06 11:46:58 · update #1
It is the DARKNESS and hardness of the pencils (lead(.. an #2 is a "soft" pencil which fills the blanks on an optical-magnetic scanner card...
Pencil grade is a number that marks the percentage of carbon to clay: it's hardness and opaqueness a #2 is 74% carbon,
20% clay, 5% wax.
Other pencils wouldn't read on the optical-magentic reader they use to grade such testsx
2007-03-06 11:44:51 · answer #1 · answered by mariner31 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the old days, it was common to buy pencils that were either #1, #2, or #3. I have seen #1.5. But I believe these days they are doing away with all but #2 pencils so that is why you haven't heard of the difference. Most pencils you buy today are #2. I guess they are concerned about students using a pencil that is 15 years old.
2007-03-06 11:28:57 · answer #2 · answered by cammie 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Optical readers that scan the tests are calibrated for #2 lead. Lead comes in different hardnesses ranging from #1 lead to #6, #1 lead is the softest, while #6 is the hardest. Most pencils you use for writing are #2, unless you are using a pencil for artists or something.
2007-03-06 11:23:06 · answer #3 · answered by chaseunchase 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The number 2 makers pay them a percentage to require the use of #2 pencils. This is very profitable for them because then we all have to go out and buy the #2 pencils for our tests.
2007-03-06 11:21:44 · answer #4 · answered by watanake 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many different #'s of pencils. The difference is the density of the lead. The higher the number, the softer the lead. #2 pencils are just the pencils they use on tests because the scanning machine picks up the darker marks.
2007-03-06 11:28:36 · answer #5 · answered by walczakd2003 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ever noticed how #2 pencils are darker and softer? that's why! Other pencils are hard and light...#2 pencils make it easier for filled-in answers to be recognised by the computer, and easy enought to rub out if you make a mistake.
2007-03-06 11:27:19 · answer #6 · answered by noTbyN8UR 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The type of "lead" (actually carbon) used. The tests are graded by computers which are programmed to detect that particular type. #2 pencils were probably selected because it is by far the most common.
2007-03-06 11:23:01 · answer #7 · answered by pater47 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
on the big tests, they grade it by computers (they like scan it through) so the pencil has to be a certain density so it can read the answers where you fill in the bubble. kinda weird, huh?
2007-03-06 14:13:08 · answer #8 · answered by TwilightBella 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An alloy rim is made of alloy a light wait metal where a chrome wheel is dipped in chrome and can be made of any type of metal (steel etc)
2016-03-16 05:58:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all deals with the weight of the lead that is used. #2 can be read by all those lovely scantron machines we have grown to love in high school and college.
2007-03-06 11:23:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋