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Chinese compasses were pieces of a magnetic mineral
called lodestone. Earth itself is like a giant magnet with
north and south poles. Because lodestone is magnetic, it is
influenced by Earth’s magnetic poles. If you put a piece of
lodestone on wood and float it in a bowl of water, the
lodestone will turn until it points in a north-south direction. -
Gunpowder was invented when the chinese were trying to create a potion of imortality and a way to make gold out other materials.
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The chinese used gunpowder to create fireworks, which was later used for war and was known as the rocket.
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By the 10th century, the Chinese had made the first weapon that used gunpowder: the flamethrower. Early flamethrowers contained gunpowder mixed with oil. The Chinese used them to spray enemies with a stream of fire.
