Identify the components of pencil leads.Graphite, clay and waterGraphite, clay and waxGraphite and clayGraphite, clay, water and wax

To determine the components of pencil leads, we need to examine the typical materials used in their manufacturing. Pencil leads consist of a mixture of graphite and clay, which serves as the primary composition for lead.

• Graphite: This is the main material that provides the lead with its writing quality. It is a good conductor of electricity and is soft, which allows it to easily leave a mark on paper.

• Clay: This is added to adjust the hardness of the lead. The ratio of graphite to clay will determine whether the pencil yields a harder or softer lead, which affects how dark or light the writing will appear.

The presence of water and wax depends on specific types of leads and their applications, such as in colored pencils or for enhancing the texture of the lead, but they are not essential components in standard graphite pencils.

Given these considerations, the correct identification of the typical components used in pencil leads is:

Final Answer

Graphite and clay.