which is true of graphite pencils? select all that apply

they are made of a soft, natural material
they are rated according to how dark of a mark they make
the less clay there is in the pencil the darker the mark it makes
the higher number of hardness in a pencil rating the more clay there is in the pencil

They are made of a soft, natural material.

They are rated according to how dark of a mark they make.
The less clay there is in the pencil, the darker the mark it makes

The following statements are true about graphite pencils:

1. They are made of a soft, natural material.
2. They are rated according to how dark of a mark they make.
3. The less clay there is in the pencil, the darker the mark it makes.

To determine which statements are true of graphite pencils, let's examine each option:

1. They are made of a soft, natural material: This statement is true. Graphite pencils are indeed made of a soft, natural material called graphite.

2. They are rated according to how dark of a mark they make: This statement is true. Graphite pencils are classified based on their darkness or lightness, which is indicated by their pencil grade or rating.

3. The less clay there is in the pencil, the darker the mark it makes: This statement is true. Graphite pencils consist of a mixture of graphite and clay. The more graphite and less clay in a pencil, the darker the mark it produces.

4. The higher number of hardness in a pencil rating, the more clay there is in the pencil: This statement is false. The pencil's hardness rating follows a scale, typically ranging from 9H (hardest) to 9B (softest). As the number increases, the graphite content increases, resulting in a softer lead and a darker mark. Therefore, the higher the hardness number, the less clay and more graphite is present in the pencil.

Therefore, the correct statements are:

- They are made of a soft, natural material.
- They are rated according to how dark of a mark they make.
- The less clay there is in the pencil, the darker the mark it makes.