What is the Difference Between Electric Field and Magnetic Field?

The main difference between electric and magnetic fields lies in their origins, characteristics, and effects on charged particles. Here are the key differences between electric and magnetic fields:

Origin: Electric fields are caused by stationary electric charges, while magnetic fields arise from permanent magnets and electric charges in motion.
Charge: Electric fields are experienced by charged objects, while magnetic fields influence objects only when they are in motion.
Force Direction: In an electric field, the force experienced by a positive charge is directed towards the source of the field, while in a magnetic field, the force experienced by a positive moving charge is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.
Field Lines: Electric field lines represent the force a positively charged particle would experience if it were in the field, while magnetic field lines represent the magnetic influence on an object in space.
Relationship with Charges: Electric fields are defined by the magnitude of the electric force at any given point in space, whereas magnetic fields model the magnetic influence on an object in space.
Units: The strength of an electric field is represented by Newton per Coulomb or Volts per Meter, while the strength of a magnetic field is represented by Gauss or Tesla.
Relationship between the Fields: Electric and magnetic fields are interconnected through Maxwell's Equations, a set of partial differential equations that relate the electric and magnetic fields to their current density and charge density. A changing electric field can produce a magnetic field, and a changing magnetic field can cause electric charges to move.

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Comparative Table: Electric Field vs Magnetic Field

Here is a table summarizing the differences between electric and magnetic fields:

Property	Electric Field	Magnetic Field
Definition	The region around an electrically charged particle where all other charges experience a force of attraction or repulsion.	The region around a magnetic body or a moving electric charge within which magnetic force acts.
Measure	The measure of electric field is known as electric field strength or electric field intensity.	The measure of magnetic field is called magnetic field intensity or magnetic field strength.
Denotation	The electric field is denoted by 'E'.	Magnetic field is denoted by 'B'.
Expression	The intensity of electric field is given by, $\mathit{E = \frac{F}{Q}}$.	The magnetic field (or magnetic flux density) is given by, $\mathit{B = \frac{\phi}{A}}$.
Unit of Measurement	The SI unit of electric field is the Newton/coulomb.	The SI unit of magnetic field is gauss or tesla.

Electric fields are produced around particles that bear electric charge, while magnetic fields are generated by moving electric charges. Both fields are interrelated and form the electromagnetic field.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.