Which one of the following is not a use of graphite?

Graphite is a soft, black, crystalline form of carbon known for its unique structure and wide range of industrial applications. It consists of layers of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal rings. These layers are held together by weak van der Waals forces, which allow them to slide over each other easily. This structural property makes graphite soft and slippery, giving it its well-known lubricating ability.

Graphite is widely used in lead pencils, where it is mixed with clay to control hardness. It leaves a gray mark on paper due to the easy separation of its layers during writing. Another common use of graphite is as a lubricant, especially in machinery that operates under high temperatures where oil-based lubricants fail. Because graphite can withstand heat and does not decompose easily, it is also used as an electrode material in electrolytic cells and electric arc furnaces. Its excellent electrical conductivity allows it to carry electric current efficiently.

However, graphite is not used as an abrasive. Abrasive materials must be hard and rough to wear down or polish other surfaces. Examples of abrasives include silicon carbide (SiC), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), and diamond. Graphite, being soft and easily deformable, cannot function as an abrasive. Instead of cutting or polishing surfaces, it reduces friction, which is the opposite behavior of an abrasive material.

Therefore, while graphite has many industrial and electrical applications due to its softness, conductivity, and heat resistance, its softness makes it unsuitable as an abrasive. This difference clearly distinguishes graphite’s properties and helps explain why “Abrasive” is not a use of graphite.