Fourth Grade Physical Science
The study of physical science has been producing practical objects or applications for centuries. The magnet, which was first discovered centuries before the birth of Christ was turned into a truly useful object that is still used today! Another useful study in physics was the study of electricity. In the last fewarticles, you learned how electricity and magnets can work together. Now, let's see how they work somewhat separately.
Magnetic Compass
When ancient wise men first discovered the magnetic properties of certain stones known as lodestones, they weren't quite sure what to make of it. All they knew was that they had a stone that would always point in a northâsouth direction. They began using these magnetic stones in their fortune telling or soothsaying practices. In time, they learned that lodestones could be used to tell direction. Since it always pointed the same way, then it could be a reliable tool in navigation. Thus, the compass was born.
Historical accounts tell us that the Chinese were first to design the magnetic compass, not exactly for navigation, but in order to follow the principles of feng shui. There have been new discoveries that older compasses were found in Mesoamerica, but the studies as to whether or not these truly are compasses have been inconclusive. The Chinese eventually did use the lodestones for navigational purposes by fashioning the stone into a spoon shape in which the handle always pointed south. They would set the spoon down on a board that contained the four main directions, as well as famous constellations. In this manner, Chinese sailors would be able to navigate the seas.
The compass has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a spoon fashioned stone on a board. Its long history takes it through Europe, the Islamic world, and other parts of Asia like India. It came in many forms, and there were multiple techniques for getting it to work for navigation. Later on it was used to direct construction workers on the directions in which to erect their buildings. Miners also used them to navigate through the underground chambers.
Modern society has developed the compass further. We have been able to make it steadier, more reliable, and less susceptible to wear and tear. Recently, the development of the gyrocompass, which points to earth's true north instead of magnetic north took over the magnetic compass when it comes to ship navigation. This is because magnetic compasses were found to be affected by some ferrous metals found in ships, giving wrong readings. Other more accurate compasses have also been developed, ending with the currently popular GPS.
Next Article: Make Your Own Compass
