The deviation experienced by a compass needle reveals the action at a distance of the magnetic field.
Click on the field lines button to make the lines of force visible.
Learning objectives
To visualize the action at a distance created by a magnet.
To show how the lines of force reveal the geometry of a magnetic field. The compass needle remains parallel to the field lines.
To show that the lines of force are intrinsic to a magnet.
How to use the animation
Click and drag the magnet.
Click on 'Field lines' to make the lines of force visible.