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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.
Table 1: comparisons between the electric field and the 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.
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