Electric Field vs. Magnetic Field

An electric field is an invisible force field caused by an electric charge resulting in an alteration of space (air or vacuum) around the charge. A magnetic field is an invisible force field generated by a moving electric charge (current), spinning electrons, and magnets.

How are Magnetic and Electric Fields Similar

Both electric field and magnetic field are two aspects of the same concept. Both are components of an electromagnetic wave moving perpendicular to each other. A changing electric field produces a magnetic field, and a changing magnetic field produces an electric field (Faraday’s Law). Maxwell’s equations explain the relationship between the two.

Electric and magnetic fields are vector quantities represented by invisible lines drawn around objects generating them.

Difference Between Electric and Magnetic Field

	Electric Field	Magnetic Field
Definition	Invisible force field generated by an electric charge, which can be stationary or moving	Invisible force field generated by a moving charge, spinning electrons, and magnets
Where is it formed	Between positive and negative voltage potentials	Between two pole pieces of a magnet
Symbol	E	B
Formula	E = F/q	B = φ/A
SI Unit	Newton/Coulomb or Volt/meter	Tesla
Directly proportional to	Charge	Current
Inversely proportional to	Distance	Distance
Force	Proportional to the electric charge	Proportional to the electric charge velocity
Monopole	Exist	Does not exist
Source and sink	Exist	Does not exist
Divergence	∇. E = ρ/ε	∇. B = 0
Conservative	Yes	No
In electromagnetic waves	Perpendicular to the magnetic field	Perpendicular to the electric field
Field lines	Originates from a positive charge and terminates at a negative charge	Originates from the north pole and terminates at the south pole
Do field lines form a closed-loop	No	Yes
Measured by	Electrometer	Magnetometer

References
- 1. Difference Between Electric and Magnetic Field – Physicsabout.com
  2. Electricity & Magnetism – Faculty.wcas.northwestern.edu
  3. Difference Between Electric & Magnetic Field – Circuitglobe.com
  4. What is the Difference Between Electric and Magnetic Field – Newscientist.com
  5. Electric Field vs. Magnetic Field – Diffen.com
  6. Magnetic Fields – Physics.bu.edu