Explore the Magnets and Electromagnets
Power a coil with a battery, add loops, flip the current and drag a compass to see the field. 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 Magnets and Electromagnets with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Magnets and Electromagnets?
Power a coil with a battery, add loops, flip the current and drag a compass to see the field. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Cranes, MRI machines, speakers, doorbells and relays all use electromagnets.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
A current in a coil makes a magnetic field.
More current or more loops make a stronger electromagnet.
Reversing the current reverses the poles.
Increase the loops to 4.
Flip the battery voltage.
Switch to AC.
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 Magnets and Electromagnets on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Flip the battery voltage. 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
How do you make an electromagnet stronger?
Increase the current, add more loops or use an iron core.
Why does the compass move?
The needle lines up with the magnetic field of the coil.
Is the Magnets and Electromagnets free to use?
Yes. The Magnets and Electromagnets 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 Magnets and Electromagnets work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Magnets and Electromagnets takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 4 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Magnets and Electromagnets?
1. In the Magnets and Electromagnets, use the controls to change Battery voltage, Number of loops, Source, Field lines. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Magnets and Electromagnets, pick an option such as DC battery, AC (alternating), Show, Hide to switch modes or load an example. 3. Start with this experiment: Increase the loops to 4. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Magnets and Electromagnets responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: A current in a coil makes a magnetic field.
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Try the Magnets and Electromagnets now
Power a coil with a battery, add loops, flip the current and drag a compass to see the. Free to use.
Try it free