Difference between static and magnetic attraction

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the fundamental differences between static and magnetic attraction. Static attraction is governed by Coulomb's law, which focuses on the type and quantity of electric charges, while magnetic attraction is determined by the "spin" of particles and their alignment. Both forces are interconnected, as highlighted by the Lorentz Force, and can be better understood through the electromagnetic tensor in quantum mechanics, which integrates both electric and magnetic properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Coulomb's law
  • Quantum mechanics
  • Particle spin
  • Lorentz Force
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the electromagnetic tensor in detail
  • Explore the implications of particle spin in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the applications of the Lorentz Force in physics
  • Learn about the relationship between electric and magnetic fields
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Students of physics, researchers in quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of electromagnetic forces will benefit from this discussion.

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What is the physical difference between static and magnetic attraction?
 
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Most simply the forces are described by the charges and domains respectively. Static attraction (re: Coulumb's law) depends on the type of charges (being opposite or similar) and the quantity of charge. Magnetic attraction, however, depends on the "spin" of the particles and the quantity and how well aligned those "spins" are. Note the quotation marks as the particles are merely described as "spinning" but really exist in a quantum state that we label as a spin.

That being said, the two are very similar and fundamentally linked (re: Lorentz Force). In quantum mechanics, it often makes more sense to use the electromagnetic tensor, which combines the aspects of both electric and magnetic forces.
 

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