Why is it that a ballpoint pen will dry out if uncapped, yet the actual cap has holes on the top, side, w/e?

Question

its on purpose for sure, but wont the pen still dry up? is it because of air pressure?

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Answer 1

when the pen is uncapped, the natural air circulation across the pen tip dries out the ink.

the cap keeps the air from circulating across the pen tip and from drying out.

Now, the cap has a hole in it in case someone puts it in their mouth, swallows it and it gets stuck in their airway.  That little hole is big enough for them to keep getting enough air to stay alive until they can get to a doctor to pull it out.

Answer 2

I don't know the answer but I can tell you how to contact someone who can answer your question.

The people who work in the consumer affairs department at Bic (they make pens) know a lot about this subject. You can fill out the contact form on this web page: http://www.bicworld.com/inter_us/contact...