Did you know that modern space rockets are influenced by Roman heritage? In other words, the size of current rockets still reflects standards set during the Roman era. Rocket components were transported by rail to launch sites and had to pass through an intermediate tunnel. It was more practical to limit the size of the rocket rather than build a new tunnel. The track width was determined by the steam locomotive, which was adapted to match the width of British wagons pulled by two horses. The width of the track is based on the hips of the two horses, which in turn are derived from the size of a Roman chariot. This phenomenon is called Path Dependency. Humans tend to stick with the past. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
The reason pencils can be writing instruments is due to pencil lead. The material used for pencil lead is graphite. The graphite element is carbon (C), and four carbon atoms are combined. One carbon atom can have four bonds and can combine with another element. Diamond is similar to graphite, with four carbon atoms. However, diamonds have four carbon bonds that create a strong covalent bond with other carbon atoms, while graphite has only one weak bond. We can write or draw with a pencil because of this loose combination. When you apply pressure to the pencil with your finger, this weak bond in graphite breaks, leaving some of the crystals damaged. Don’t view it merely as a pencil; it’s a diamond’s cousin. The degree of consanguinity is very, very close. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”