Comparison between electric field and magnetic field
A table of the comparisons between the electric field and the magnetic field is shown below.
| Electric Field | Magnetic Field |
|---|---|
| An electric field is caused by charges. | But, a magnetic field is caused by magnets (or electric currents). |
| The electric field affects charges. | But, the magnetic field affects magnets (or electric currents). |
| There are 2 types of electric charges, positive and negative. | There are 2 types of magnetic poles: the North pole and the South pole. |
| Like charges repel, unlike charges attract. | Like poles repel, unlike poles attract. |
| Isolated charges exist. | isolated poles do not exist. |
| A magnet does not feel a force when placed in an electric field. | A positive charge does not feel a force when placed stationary in a magnetic field. |
comparisons between the electric field and the magnetic field
- An electric field is caused by charges. But, a magnetic field is caused by magnets (or electric currents).
- The electric field affects charges. But, the magnetic field affects magnets (or electric currents).
- There are 2 types of electric charges, positive and negative. There are 2 types of magnetic poles: the North pole and the South pole.
- Like charges repel, unlike charges attract. Like poles repel, unlike poles attract.
- A magnet does not feel a force when placed in an electric field.
- A positive charge does not feel a force when placed stationary in a magnetic field.
- Isolated charges exist whereas isolated poles do not.