Question

Ancient peoples discovered magnetic rocks called lodestone. What did they use them for?
A. To start fires
B. Compasses
C. Sculptures
D. Telephone receivers

Answer 1

Hint: Lodestone is the type of mineral magnetite which has both magnetic properties and polarity. Verify every option and see which type of material should be used for the given option.

Complete step by step answer:
We know that Lodestone is a type of mineral magnetite found by ancient peoples. It is naturally occurring material all over the world. We know that nearly all magnetite shows a property to attract the iron but none of them show north-south polarity. We see lodestone is the mineral magnetite which shows magnetic properties as well as north-south polarity. We know that lodestone was used by Chinese people for navigation purposes around 900 years ago.
When the lodestone is suspended by a string, we can see the ends of lodestone points south and north poles.
We know that minerals of pyrites are used to generate the fire by ancient peoples. We see lodestone is not a pyrite material. so, the fire cannot be started by lodestone.
Therefore, the option (A) is incorrect.
Lodestones cannot be used to make sculptures and for telephone communication. Therefore, we can say that option (C) and (D) is incorrect

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note:
To use the magnetic material for navigation purposes, the material should point in the direction of south and north. To recognize which direction is south and other is north, ancient peoples mark south-pole on the lodestone for a known place. Then the other end will eventually point towards the north-pole.