# What is the difference between electric field and magnetic field

by Lizwi
Tags: difference, electric, field, magnetic
 P: 40 What is the difference between electric field and magnetic field
 P: 834 From a special relativistic perspective, nothing--they're just different aspects of the same combined EM field, components that arise from different kinds of currents. I suspect this isn't the answer that would help you most, though. Perhaps you have a more specific question in mind?
P: 111
 Quote by Lizwi What is the difference between electric field and magnetic field
$$\nabla \circ \vec{E} = \frac{\rho}{\epsilon_{0}}$$
$$\nabla \times \vec{E} = -\frac{{\partial}{\vec{B}}}{{\partial}{t}}$$
vs.
$$\nabla \circ \vec{B} = 0$$
$$\nabla \times \vec{B} = \mu_{0} \vec{J} + \mu_{0} \epsilon_{0} \frac{{\partial}{E}}{{\partial}{t}}$$

heh, sorry, I couldn't resist..

P: 2,454

## What is the difference between electric field and magnetic field

classically electric fields are caused by charge and magnetic fields are caused by moving charges in the static case. and if I have a time-varying E or B field they can induce the other field. And my relative motion with some stationary charge I could see a B field in my frame or an E field depending on the configuration.
P: 6
 Originally Posted by Lizwi View Post What is the difference between electric field and magnetic field ................... vs. heh, sorry, I couldn't resist..
This is not the complete story, please include Lorentz Force equation. To make difference
between E and B, it is very important to remember how do they interact with some particle, that is the only way to know about them( E or B).
 P: 2,454 as sanjib ghosh is getting at. The E field will affect a charged particle at rest by a B field will not cause a charged particle at rest to move.