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Grades K–2 · Everyday Life

How does a ballpoint pen leave a line?

A ballpoint pen has a tiny ball at its tip. The ball sits in a little holder that keeps it from falling out. Ink waits inside the pen, just behind the ball.

A recognizable ballpoint pen and its enlarged rolling tipA whole pen shows a long ink barrel, clip and narrow writing tip. A callout selects the tip. Below, an enlarged section shows a holder retaining a ball, ink touching its upper surface and paper touching its underside. Rotation carries ink to the paper.A ballpoint penOutside view → detail below11 The tiny writing tipEnlarged cutawayThe holder keeps the ball in.InkThe ball rolls on the paper.Ink rides on its surface.Many tiny touches makeone continuous line.
The big picture shows a tiny pen tip. The holder keeps the ball in place while the ball rolls and carries ink onto paper.

As the pen moves across paper, the ball rolls. Part of its surface touches ink inside. Then that part turns toward the paper and leaves some ink behind.

More rolling brings more ink to the paper. Many small touches join into the line we see. The ball carries ink; it does not make the ink.

About this explanation

Starting knowledge: Recognizes a ball rolling and a mark on paper.

Sources

  • Pilot Pen Australia — Ballpoint Pens: How do ballpoint pens work?
  • Pilot Pen Indonesia — Frequently asked questions: typical ballpoint pen
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