Electric Field vs Magnetic Field - Differences between Electric and Magnetic Fields

Magnetic field is an exerted area around the magnetic force. It is obtained by moving electric charges. The direction of the magnetic field is indicated by lines. While the electric fields are generated around the particles which obtains electric charge. During this process, positive charges are drawn, while negative charges are repelled.

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An object with moving charge always has both magnetic and electric field. They have some similarities and also have two different fields with same characteristics. Both fields are inter-related called electromagnetic field but there are not depended on each other.

Electric Field vs. Magnetic Field

The region around the electric charge where the electric force exists is called an electric field. Whereas the area around the magnet where the pole of the magnet exhibits a force of attraction or repulsion is called a magnetic field.

An electric field is a field of force, surrounding a charged particle, while a magnetic field is a field of force surrounding a permanent magnet, or a moving charged particle.

The strength of an electric field is expressed in Newtons per Coulomb, or Volts per meter, while a magnetic field strength is expressed in Gauss or Tesla.

The electric field intensity is measured by an electrometer whereas the magnetic field intensity is measured by the magnetometer.

The force of an electric field is proportional to the electric charge, while the magnetic field is proportional to the electric charge as well as the speed of the moving charge.

The electric field line can do work, i.e., the speed and the direction of the charge changes, whereas the magnet field cannot do work, i.e., the direction of charges change but the speed of the particles remain constant.

Similarities of Magnetic Fields and Electric Fields

Electric fields are produced by two kinds of charges, positive and negative. Magnetic fields are associated with two magnetic poles, north and south, although they are also produced by charges.

Electric field points in the direction of the force experienced by a positive charge. Magnetic field points in the direction of the force experienced by a north pole.