B from Magnet

Magnetic Field Simulation A:

Description:

The simulation represents a bar magnet and a compass. Both objects can be dragged with the mouse. The location of the mouse and the magnetic field at the mouse location are shown in a yellow box at the bottom of the simulation when the mouse button is held down.

Question 1:

Move the magnet and compass around to several different locations. Draw a sketch of the orientation of the compass needle at 10 or 12 points near the magnet. What can you conclude about the compass needle orientation, relative to the north and south poles of the magnet?

Question 2:

Hold the mouse button down and drag the mouse around in the simulation while noting the value of the magnetic field, |B|.

What can you conclude about the strength of the magnetic field as you move away from the north pole?
How does this compare with the field strength as you move away from the south pole?
How does this compare with the field strength as you move away from the center of the magnet?

Question 3:

Double click in 6 or 8 locations near the magnet. Double clicking will cause the simulation to draw the magnetic field lines. Once you have a a half dozen field lines, drag the compass around and note the direction of the compass needle. What is the relationship between the direction of the magnetic field lines and the direction of the compass needle?

Question 4:

Find a field line that you can see the entire field line from beginning to end. Hold the mouse button down and drag the mouse along one of the magnetic field lines. What can you say about the strength of the magnetic field as you trace along a field line from when it leaves the magnet until it comes back to the magnet?