Magnetic Force vs. Electric Force: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Magnetic force arises from moving electric charges and affects magnetic materials, while electric force is due to charge interactions, influencing charged particles regardless of motion.
Key Differences
Magnetic Force and Electric Force are fundamental interactions in nature, each governed by distinct principles and characteristics. Magnetic Force arises from the interactions between magnetic fields and magnetic objects, while Electric Force is generated by electric charges and their interactions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Magnetic Force, first and foremost, is responsible for the attraction or repulsion between magnets or magnetic materials. It is fundamentally associated with the behavior of moving electric charges. When an electric charge, such as an electron, is in motion, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field can interact with other moving charges, resulting in the magnetic force. In essence, Magnetic Force is intrinsically tied to the motion of charged particles and the formation of magnetic fields.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
On the other hand, Electric Force is concerned with the interactions between electric charges, which can be either positive or negative. Electric charges exert forces on one another that are governed by Coulomb's law. Like charges repel each other, and opposite charges attract. Electric Force is a fundamental force in nature that plays a crucial role in the behavior of matter at the atomic and molecular scales. It is responsible for the stability of atoms, the behavior of electrons in circuits, and the functioning of everyday electrical devices.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
In the context of Magnetic Force, it is important to note that it is distinct from Electric Force in that it involves the behavior of magnetic dipoles and the motion of charges rather than the inherent property of charge itself. Magnetic Force is also known for its ability to exert forces on charged particles in motion, giving rise to phenomena like the Lorentz Force, which describes the combined effects of Electric Force and Magnetic Force on charged particles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Electric Force, on the other hand, doesn't require the presence of magnetic materials or magnetic fields for its existence. It solely relies on the electric charges themselves, and its effects can be observed even in the absence of any magnetic components. Electric Force is vital for understanding the behavior of charged particles in various physical systems, from the behavior of electrons in atoms to the operation of electronic devices.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
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In summary, Magnetic Force and Electric Force are distinct phenomena in physics. Magnetic Force arises from the interactions between magnetic fields and moving charges, while Electric Force is generated by electric charges and operates independently of magnetic materials. Understanding these forces is essential for comprehending a wide range of physical phenomena and engineering applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Comparison Chart
Source
Arises from moving electric charges.
Generated by static or moving charges.
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Dec 15, 2023
Affected Materials
Primarily influences magnetic materials.
Influences all charged particles.
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Dec 15, 2023
Directionality
Acts perpendicular to charge movement and field.
Acts along the line between charges.
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Dec 15, 2023
Governing Law
Governed by electromagnetic principles.
Governed by Coulomb's Law.
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Dec 15, 2023
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Applications
Used in motors, generators, MRI machines.
Essential in electronics, electrostatics.
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Dec 15, 2023
Magnetic Force and Electric Force Definitions
Magnetic Force
Attraction or repulsion arising from a magnetic field.
Magnetic force aligns iron filings along field lines.
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Dec 04, 2023
Electric Force
The fundamental force underlying electrostatic phenomena.
Electric force is responsible for the spark when touching a doorknob.
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Dec 04, 2023
Magnetic Force
The influence exerted by a magnetic field on magnetic materials.
A compass needle’s movement is due to Earth’s magnetic force.
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Dec 04, 2023
Electric Force
Force between charged particles.
Electric force causes opposite charges to attract each other.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Magnetic Force
The outcome of electromagnetic interactions.
Magnetic force is responsible for the operation of MRI machines.
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Dec 04, 2023
Electric Force
Attraction or repulsion due to electric charge.
Balloon sticks to a wall due to electric force after rubbing.
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Dec 04, 2023
Magnetic Force
Force that acts perpendicular to the motion of charged particles.
In a motor, magnetic force causes the rotor to turn.
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Dec 04, 2023
Electric Force
Influence exerted by an electric field on charged particles.
Electric force moves electrons through a wire in a circuit.
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Dec 04, 2023
Magnetic Force
Force exerted by magnets or moving charges.
The magnetic force between two magnets causes them to stick together.
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Dec 04, 2023
Electric Force
Force proportional to charge and inversely to distance squared.
Electric force between two charges decreases as they move apart.
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Dec 04, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What causes magnetic force?
Magnetic force is caused by the movement of electric charges or the presence of magnets.
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Dec 15, 2023
How does electric force contribute to chemical bonding?
Electric force holds atoms together in molecules through the attraction of electrons and protons.
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Dec 15, 2023
Is electric force always attractive?
No, electric force can be either attractive or repulsive, depending on the types of charges involved.
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Dec 15, 2023
What role does magnetic force play in technology?
Magnetic force is crucial in technologies like electric motors, generators, and data storage devices.
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Dec 15, 2023
What determines the strength of electric force?
The strength of electric force depends on the amount of charge and the distance between charges.
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Dec 15, 2023
Can magnetic force act at a distance?
Yes, magnetic force can act over a distance, influencing magnetic materials without direct contact.
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Dec 15, 2023
What is an example of magnetic force in nature?
The Earth's magnetic field influencing compass needles is a natural example of magnetic force.
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Dec 15, 2023
What is magnetic force?
Magnetic force is the force exerted by magnets or moving electric charges.
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Dec 15, 2023
How is electric force defined?
Electric force is the force between charged particles, either attracting or repelling them.
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Dec 15, 2023
How does electric force affect everyday life?
Electric force is fundamental in electronics, powering devices from smartphones to household appliances.
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Dec 15, 2023
Does the speed of charge affect magnetic force?
Yes, the speed and direction of moving charges significantly influence the magnitude and direction of magnetic force.
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Dec 15, 2023
What happens to electric force when the distance doubles?
The electric force decreases by a factor of four when the distance between charges doubles.
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Dec 15, 2023
Is electric force responsible for lightning?
Yes, lightning is a result of electric forces between charged clouds and the ground.
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Dec 15, 2023
Are magnetic forces always stronger than electric forces?
Not necessarily; the strength of magnetic and electric forces depends on the context and conditions.
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Dec 15, 2023
What is the role of electric force in a capacitor?
Electric force in a capacitor stores energy in an electric field between conductive plates.
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Dec 15, 2023
Can magnetic force be blocked or shielded?
Yes, materials like mu-metal can effectively shield or block magnetic forces.
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Dec 15, 2023
How do MRI machines use magnetic force?
MRI machines use strong magnetic forces to align and detect hydrogen atoms in the body.
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Dec 15, 2023
Does electric force play a role in solar panels?
Yes, electric force is essential in solar panels, driving electrons to generate electricity.
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Dec 15, 2023
How does a compass work in terms of magnetic force?
A compass works by aligning its magnetic needle with the Earth's magnetic force.
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Dec 15, 2023
Can electric force exist without a conductor?
Yes, electric force can exist in a vacuum, as it is a property of the charges themselves.
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Dec 15, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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