CHEMISTRY
JAMB 2009 - Question 35
Chemistry 2009 JAMB Past Questions - Question 35: Which of the allotrope of carbon is a constituent of a lead pencil?
Choose the correct answers from the options given.
A:
B:
C:
D:
Correct Answer
A
Explanation
Despite the name, the "lead" in a pencil **doesn't actually contain any lead metal**. It's made primarily of **graphite**, an allotrope of carbon.
Graphite forms a layered structure where carbon atoms are arranged in sheets, allowing them to easily slide past each other. This characteristic makes graphite perfect for leaving marks on paper.
So, while the name might be misleading, the writing core of a pencil is indeed an allotrope of carbon: **graphite**.

