How does a pencil eraser remove graphite?
From Chemistry For Your Life by Melissa and Jam, Bleav
June 4, 2026 · 35 min · Episode 239
About this episode
This episode explores how pencil erasers work and the differences between graphite and diamonds, both made of carbon.
How can the same element make both pencil lead and diamonds? This week we wrap up our pencil chemistry mini-series by answering a surprisingly tricky question: how do erasers actually erase? Then we dive into one of chemistry’s coolest ideas. Graphite and diamond are both made entirely of carbon, but one is soft enough to write with and the other is the hardest natural material we know. What changed? The answer reveals something remarkable about chemistry, structure, and the hidden world of atoms.
People in this episode
Hosts: Melissa, Jam
Topics covered
- pencil chemistry
- graphite
- diamonds
- carbon
- chemistry
- atomic structure
Keywords
- pencil eraser
- graphite
- diamonds
- carbon
- chemistry
- atomic structure
- eraser function
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Chemistry For Your Life
Products: pencil eraser, graphite, diamonds
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