Earth’s magnetic field

Compass
Bar I
Bar II

Magnet and compass

Ever wonder how a compass works to pinpoint the Arctic? Explore the interactions between a compass and a bar magnet, then add the earth and find the surprising answer! Vary the strength of the magnet, and see how things change both inside and out. Use the field meter to measure the changes in the magnetic field.

File

Screen too narrow

This Java simulation cannot run on this device because it has a screen that is too narrow. We recommend that, for a better user experience, you run it on a device with a wider screen.

Narrow screen

Although this Java simulation can be run on your device, we recommend that for the better user experience, you run it on a device with a wider screen.

Click here to start the simulation

Magnetic field of a bar I

The space where the magnetic force of the magnet acts is called the magnetic field. This animation shows what the magnetic field around a magnetized bar looks like. The direction of the magnetic field is determined in the direction indicated by the N pole of the magnetic needle placed at that point.