Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Will graphite attract carbon like a magnet attracts iron?

I'm almost certain that the answer is no, because I hear carbon powder is not magnet unless heated to the point where it becomes graphite to begin with.

If the answer is no, does anyone know any ways to attract carbon in order to separate it from organic matter in an alcohol solution?

This is a just for fun experiment, but if anyone knows a quick answer to this it'd be much appreciated.

note: I noticed upon giving the alcohol solution an electric charge, the carbon seemed to float up to the top a bit.
Am I getting warmer?

Hi tempestmichael,

Can you please provide some more detail about the organic matter you are trying to isolate the carbon from? What is your goal in separating the carbon out? More details will go a long way towards helping us help you!

Organic matter contains a lot of carbon. I assume you are talking about separating powdered carbon from some some other types of organic compounds. (And not trying to strip carbon atoms off of organic molecules.) The powdered carbon that you are dealing with most likely is graphite, unless it is something fancy like carbon nanotubes or diamonds.

oh it's not for anything specific.

It's just a for fun experiment.

Some things I've tried so far are oolong tea, motor oil, tobacco, and random plants I find outside.
any plant that has a lot of tar in it so I know I'll get a lot of carbon when the alcohol breaks it down.

This is just to satisfy my curiosity more or less.

Hi tempestmichael,

Satisfying your curiosity is a great reason to try something! However, these forums are targeted toward K-12 students, parents, and teachers who are working on school science fair projects. But, I know there are other online science forums. Hopefully someone on one of those will be able to help you!

okay thanks