Three minutes to talk about popular science
Once upon a time, we held a pencil in our hands and seldom thought about the story behind it. The simple black and white lead core, as if hiding endless secrets, is closely related to the ancient element - lead. However, as time passed, we gradually learned that the lead of the pencil, which we once thought of as lead, was actually a mineral called graphite. And the so-called "lead" is nothing more than a long-standing misunderstanding.
Graphite, with the chemical symbol C, is the same crystalline form of carbon as diamond. It's black, soft, but very patient. In pencil leads, graphite mixes with a binder to form the pencil lead we see on a daily basis. It has to be mentioned that China is also one of the most important graphite producers in the world. It's just that most people don't know that this seemingly ordinary pencil lead actually contains such a story.
The invention of the pencil lead stems from our desire to write. In ancient times, people used pencils to write down words, but over time, it was discovered that lead was not actually suitable for writing. The emergence of graphite has changed this situation. Its black color and soft nature make it the perfect choice for writing instruments. When mixed with adhesives, it becomes more durable and does not break easily. Thus, the pencil lead was born.
In this process, we have witnessed the progress of science and technology and the crystallization of human wisdom. From the initial lead core to the current graphite core, we have come a long way. There are countless experiments and improvements involved, driven by the human need to write. When we pick up a pencil and write what is in our hearts, have we ever thought about the deep meaning behind it?
The story of the pencil lead is also our story. It bears witness to the pursuit and thirst for knowledge of human beings. In this process, we continue to explore, innovate and move forward. And all of this stems from our curiosity about the unknown and our love for knowledge.