Q 01/05

On a compass card marked in degrees, how many degrees separate one cardinal direction from the next?

A) 45

B) 90

C) 120

D) 180

Answer · why

B) 90

North is 0 and the numbers rise clockwise, so the four cardinal points fall at 0, 90, 180 and 270.

Q 02/05

The magnetic compass was first invented in China during which dynasty, initially for divination?

A) Tang

B) Han

C) Ming

D) Qin

Answer · why

B) Han

It is counted among China's Four Great Inventions and was adopted for navigation only in the 11th century under the Song.

Q 03/05

The earliest Chinese compasses were made from lodestone, a naturally magnetised form of which mineral?

A) Hematite

B) Magnetite

C) Pyrite

D) Galena

Answer · why

B) Magnetite

Only a tiny fraction of magnetite is found naturally magnetised.

Q 04/05

What is the leading theory for how lodestones become magnetised in nature?

A) Volcanic heat

B) Lightning strikes

C) Meteorite impacts

D) Slow exposure to Earth's field

Answer · why

B) Lightning strikes

Earth's field, at about half a gauss, is far too weak to do the job on its own.

Q 05/05

The Middle English word 'lodestone' means what?

A) Heavy stone

B) Leading stone

C) Black stone

D) Star stone

Answer · why

B) Leading stone

'Lode' once meant a journey or way, a reminder that suspended lodestones were the first compasses.