Which century was the compass first used in China for navigation?

Which century was the compass first used in China for navigation?

• A. Ninth century
• B. Eleventh century
• C. Tenth century
• D. Twelfth century

Answer: (B)

The key idea is when a directional magnetized needle began guiding ships in China. In the Song dynasty, around the 11th century, sailors started using a magnetized compass for navigation. This allowed navigators to maintain a course even when landmarks or stars weren’t visible, marking a shift from only coastal or celestial navigation to reliable long-distance sea travel. Earlier forms existed for other purposes, but the first documented use for navigating at sea is in the 11th century, which is why that century is the correct answer.

The key idea is when a directional magnetized needle began guiding ships in China. In the Song dynasty, around the 11th century, sailors started using a magnetized compass for navigation. This allowed navigators to maintain a course even when landmarks or stars weren’t visible, marking a shift from only coastal or celestial navigation to reliable long-distance sea travel. Earlier forms existed for other purposes, but the first documented use for navigating at sea is in the 11th century, which is why that century is the correct answer.