Physics
Electric & Magnetic Fields
Two of the classic field pictures in 3D. In Electric mode, field lines stream from positive to negative charges. In Magnetic mode, the field wraps in circles around a current-carrying wire. Orbit to look around.
Charges—
Drag to orbit. Electric field lines (blue) leave + charges and enter − charges. The magnetic field (teal) circles a wire by the right-hand rule. The little axes show orientation.
What to observe
- In Electric mode, count the lines leaving a + charge versus entering a −: denser lines mean a stronger field. They never cross.
- Add charges of the same sign (New charges a few times): notice field linesrepel and push into the gaps rather than connecting.
- Switch to Magnetic. The field makes closed loops around the wire with no start or end, and flipping the current reverses their direction (right-hand rule).
Shortcuts: space run/pause · s step · r reset · f fullscreen