Difference between Electric Field and Magnetic Field

In this article, we will discuss the important differences between electric field and magnetic field, i.e. electric field vs magnetic field.

What is Electric Field?

The space around charged particles in which other charged particles experience a force of attraction or repulsion is known as the electric field. Therefore, the electric field is mainly due to the presence of electric charges.

The strength of the electric field around a charged particle is given by the following formula,

`\E=F/q`

Where, E is the strength of the electric field in Newton per Coulomb (N/C), F is a force on an electric charge in the electric field in Newton (N), and q is the charge in Coulomb (C).

The electric field of an electric charge is represented by imaginary lines, called electric field lines. The electric field is always directed away from the positive charge and towards the negative charge.

What is Magnetic Field?

The space around a magnet in which other magnets and magnetic materials experience a force of attraction or repulsion is known as a magnetic field. The magnetic field is produced due to moving charged particles or magnets.

The strength of the magnetic field of a magnet is given by the following formula,

`\H=F/m`

Where, H is the strength of the magnetic field in Newton per Weber (N/Wb), F is the force in Newton (N), and m is the magnetic pole strength in Wb.

The magnetic field is visualised through imaginary lines, called magnetic field lines. Magnetic field lines are directed from the North Pole to the South Pole outside the magnetic and from the South Pole to the North Pole inside the magnetic. Hence, magnetic field lines always form a closed loop.

Now, let us discuss the important differences between an electric field and a magnetic field.

Difference between Magnetic Field and Electric Field

The important differences between the magnetic field and electric field (magnetic field vs electric field) are listed in the following table:

Basis of Comparison	Electric Field	Magnetic Field
Definition	The space around an electrically charged particle in which all other charged particles experience force is called an electric field.	The space around a magnet in which all other magnets or magnetic materials experience a force is called a magnetic field.
Visualization	The electric field is visualized through electric field lines.	The magnetic field is visualized through magnetic field lines.
Created by	The electric field is created by electric charges (both static and moving).	The magnetic field is created by only moving charges.
Direction	The electric field is always directed from positive charges to negative charges.	The magnetic field is directed from the North Pole to the South Pole outside the magnet, and from the South Pole to the North Pole inside the magnet.
Strength	Electric field strength is given by, `\E=F/q`	Magnetic field strength is given by, `\H=F/m`
Loop formation	Electric field lines do not form closed loops.	Magnetic field lines form closed loops.
Measuring device	An electrometer is used to measure the strength of the electric field.	A magnetometer is used to measure the strength of the magnetic field.
Direction w.r.t. current	The electric field is aligned in the direction of the electric current.	The magnetic field is aligned in the perpendicular direction of the electric current.
Propagation	The electric field always propagates in a straight line.	The magnetic field always propagates in a circular/loop fashion.
Applications	The electric field is used in capacitors, electrolysis, electrostatic printing, electrostatic precipitators, etc.	The magnetic field is used in electric motors and generators, transformers, MRI, maglev trains, hard disk drives, metal detection, compass, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is all about the important differences between electric fields and magnetic fields. The electric field is produced due to the existence of electric charges. On the other hand, the magnetic field is produced due to the motion of electric charges.