Magnetic Field Simulation B

Description:


The simulation to the left shows two bar magnets. Initially they are parallel (both north ends point to the right). For this simulation the magnetic field vectors are shown; black indicates a stronger field, light blue indicates a weaker field with red and green in between. The magnetic field strength at the location of the mouse is shown in the bottom of the simulation when you hold the mouse button down.


Question 5:

Double click in several locations in the simulation to create magnetic field lines. What is the relationship between magnetic field lines and magnetic field vectors?

Question 6:

Click the 'Parallel' button to reset the simulation. Drag the magnets around, looking at the magnetic field vectors. What happens to the strength of the magnetic field when you drag the magnets to be on top of each other?

Question 7:

Click the 'Anti-Parallel' button to reset the simulation. Drag the magnets around, looking at the magnetic field vectors. What happens to the strength of the magnetic field when you drag the magnets to be on top of each other in this case?

Question 8:

Click the 'Parallel' button to reset the simulation. Hold the mouse button down and drag it around in the area between the magnets, noting the magnetic field strength (in the yellow box) at the midway point between the two magnets. Repeat these observations for the 'Anti-Parallel' magnets. What can you conclude about the strength of the magnetic field between the two magnets in each cases? In which case is the field between the magnets strongest?