Lodestone
Purpose
Students see that magnetism occurs naturally in certain minerals. A lodestone (naturally magnetized magnetite, Fe₃O₄) picks up paper clips and has identifiable north and south poles, just like manufactured magnets.
Figure 4:
The lodestone attracts paper clips, demonstrating that its magnetic field — though weaker than commercial magnets — is strong enough to hold small ferromagnetic objects.
Figure 5:
Lodestone alongside a pivoting ALNICO bar magnet used to locate the lodestone's north and south poles by attraction and repulsion.
Figure 6:
The bar magnet has rotated 180° when brought near the opposite pole of the lodestone, confirming the lodestone has distinct north and south poles.
Equipment
- 1