Magnetism I

Basic science JSS3 Second term

Sub-theme: learning about our environment

WEEK 7

Magnetism I

Performance Objectives

The student should be able to:

1. Describe lodestone as a naturally occurring magnet.
2. State the laws of magnetism.

Content

Magnetism

Lodestone a naturally occurring magnet

The name lodestone comes from Middle English and means 'course stone' or 'leading stone'.

Lodestone was named "Magnes" after the boy who discovered it and later became known as "magnet".

Lodestone is a piece of magnetite or other naturally magnetized minerals, able to be used as a magnet. They are naturally occurring magnets that attract pieces of iron.
The process by which lodestone is created has long been an open question in geology. Only a small amount of the magnetite on Earth…