Description

This simulation shows how magnets, when placed in a magenetic field, will align themselves with the "magnetic field" lines of that magnetic field.

Purpose

This demonstration of magnets and magnetic fields illustrates the principle of how a compass works. The needle in a compass is actually a magnet and will align itself with the magnetic field lines of the Earth. Since the magnetic field lines of the Earth always run from South to North, by lining up with those lines, the needle in your compass tells you what direction North is.

Features

• Realistic motion
  This simulation tries to mimic the actual movement of magnets in a magetic field by simulating the momentum that they have when they move. Because of this, when you move the large magnet quickly, it takes a little while for the smaller magnets to realign themselves, thereby realistically depicting the motion that they would have in the real world.