With reference to the discovery of magnets, consider the following statements: 1. Magnetite is a naturally occurring material that has the property of attracting iron. 2. The name 'magnetite' is derived solely from the chemical composition of the stone. 3. Magnetite is an artificial magnet created by heating iron pieces. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (a) 1 only. Explanation Magnets are substances that possess the property of attracting iron, nickel, and cobalt. They are broadly classified into natural magnets and artificial magnets based on their origin and method of formation. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Magnetite is a naturally occurring mineral and one of the main iron ores. It possesses natural magnetic properties and has the ability to attract iron. Rocks containing this mineral are often referred to as natural magnets. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The name 'magnetite' is not derived from its chemical composition. Historical accounts suggest it was named after a shepherd named Magnes, who discovered the stone when the iron tip of his stick got stuck to a rock. Alternatively, it is believed to be named after Magnesia, a region in ancient Greece where these stones were found in abundance. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Magnetite is a natural magnet, not an artificial one. Artificial magnets are man-made magnets created by magnetizing pieces of iron, steel, or other alloys using specific methods (such as stroking with a magnet or using electric current). Key Takeaway Magnetite (Lodestone) is a natural magnet discovered in ancient times, whereas artificial magnets are human-made devices created from ferromagnetic materials.

NCERT Class 6 Science — Chapter 1: Fun with magnets

mcqeasy

With reference to the discovery of magnets, consider the following statements:

Magnetite is a naturally occurring material that has the property of attracting iron.
The name 'magnetite' is derived solely from the chemical composition of the stone.
Magnetite is an artificial magnet created by heating iron pieces.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

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Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (a) 1 only.

Explanation

Magnets are substances that possess the property of attracting iron, nickel, and cobalt. They are broadly classified into natural magnets and artificial magnets based on their origin and method of formation.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Magnetite is a naturally occurring mineral and one of the main iron ores. It possesses natural magnetic properties and has the ability to attract iron. Rocks containing this mineral are often referred to as natural magnets.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The name 'magnetite' is not derived from its chemical composition. Historical accounts suggest it was named after a shepherd named Magnes, who discovered the stone when the iron tip of his stick got stuck to a rock. Alternatively, it is believed to be named after Magnesia, a region in ancient Greece where these stones were found in abundance.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Magnetite is a natural magnet, not an artificial one. Artificial magnets are man-made magnets created by magnetizing pieces of iron, steel, or other alloys using specific methods (such as stroking with a magnet or using electric current).

Key Takeaway

Magnetite (Lodestone) is a natural magnet discovered in ancient times, whereas artificial magnets are human-made devices created from ferromagnetic materials.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Fun with magnets

Which of the following statements correctly describes the properties of 'Magnetite'?

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Consider the following materials: 1. Iron 2. Nickel 3. Cobalt 4. Plastic Which of the above are classified as magnetic materials?

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With reference to magnetic and non-magnetic materials, consider the following statements: 1. All materials found in soil are non-magnetic in nature. 2. A material is termed magnetic if it is attracted by a magnet. 3. Nickel and cobalt are examples of magnetic materials. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following actions can cause a magnet to lose its magnetic properties? 1. Heating 2. Hammering 3. Dropping from a height 4. Storing in a wooden box Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the attraction of iron filings to a magnet: 1. The attraction of iron filings is maximum at the poles of a magnet. 2. The magnetic force is strongest at the central region of a bar magnet. 3. The concentration of filings at a point indicates the strength of the magnetic force. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

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Correct Option

The correct option is (a) 1 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Magnetite is a naturally occurring mineral and one of the main iron ores. It possesses natural magnetic properties and has the ability to attract iron. Rocks containing this mineral are often referred to as natural magnets.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The name 'magnetite' is not derived from its chemical composition. Historical accounts suggest it was named after a shepherd named Magnes, who discovered the stone when the iron tip of his stick got stuck to a rock. Alternatively, it is believed to be named after Magnesia, a region in ancient Greece where these stones were found in abundance.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Magnetite is a natural magnet, not an artificial one. Artificial magnets are man-made magnets created by magnetizing pieces of iron, steel, or other alloys using specific methods (such as stroking with a magnet or using electric current).

Key Takeaway

Magnetite (Lodestone) is a natural magnet discovered in ancient times, whereas artificial magnets are human-made devices created from ferromagnetic materials.