GED Science Practice

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Prepare for the GED Science Test with our comprehensive quizzes. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each providing hints and explanations. Ensure your success on the GED Science Exam!

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Which property describes a lodestone as per the provided information?

Floats on water
Made of copper
Possesses polarity
Unable to attract metals

The correct answer is: Possesses polarity

A lodestone is a naturally occurring mineral that is a form of magnetite. One of its defining characteristics is its ability to possess polarity, meaning it has a magnetic north and south pole. This property allows the lodestone to attract ferromagnetic materials, such as iron and nickel, which is crucial for its identification as a magnetic mineral. The property of possessing polarity is fundamental to understanding how lodestone behaves in relation to magnetic fields. Unlike other materials, a lodestone will align itself with a magnetic field when freely suspended, further demonstrating its magnetic properties. This capacity to exhibit magnetic polarity is not only intriguing from a geological perspective but also historically significant, as lodestones were used in the development of compasses for navigation due to their ability to align with the Earth’s magnetic field.