Explore the Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator
Drag a bar magnet around a grid of compasses and watch the field lines turn. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator?
Drag a bar magnet around a grid of compasses and watch the field lines turn. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Magnetic fields power electric motors, generators, MRI scanners, compasses and data storage.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Magnetic field lines leave the north pole and enter the south pole.
Compass needles line up with the local field direction.
The field is strongest near the poles and weakens quickly with distance.
Drag the magnet and watch every compass turn.
Flip the polarity and see the field reverse.
Rotate the magnet and compare the field lines.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Flip the polarity and see the field reverse. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Which way do magnetic field lines point?
Outside the magnet they go from the north pole to the south pole. Inside the magnet they go from south to north, so the lines form closed loops.
Why does a compass point north?
The Earth acts like a giant bar magnet, and the compass needle is a small magnet that lines up with its field.
Is the Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 1 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator?
1. In the Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator, use the controls to change Magnet strength. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator, pick an option such as Field lines, Compass grid, Strength colours to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator, press "Flip poles", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Drag the magnet and watch every compass turn. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Magnetic field lines leave the north pole and enter the south pole.
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Try the Magnetic Field & Compass Simulator now
Drag a bar magnet around a grid of compasses and watch the field lines turn. Free to use.
Try it free