What Are the Similarities and Differences Between Magnetic and Electric Fields?

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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the distinctions and similarities between magnetic fields and electric fields, specifically addressing the concepts of magnetic flux and electric flux. Magnetic fields act on ferromagnetic materials and are characterized by closed loops due to their dipole nature, while electric fields can act on any oppositely charged material and do not necessarily form closed loops. The conversation highlights a common misconception between 'flux' and 'field', emphasizing that flux is an integral over a surface and not inherently closed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory
  • Familiarity with the concepts of magnetic fields and electric fields
  • Knowledge of integral calculus as it relates to flux
  • Basic principles of ferromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical definitions of electric and magnetic fields
  • Explore the concept of magnetic flux in detail
  • Learn about the applications of electric fields in various materials
  • Investigate the differences between electric flux and magnetic flux
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and professionals in electrical engineering will benefit from this discussion.

Revati
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Hello Group Members :smile:

I was needing some candid explanation or guidance on what are similarities and differences between magnetic flux and electric flux.

One thing I know of is that magnetic flux acts on ferromagnetic material whereas Electric flux acts on any oppositely charged material.

Another being that Magnetic flux is always a closed loop( as magnet is a dipole) where as this may not be necessarily true for electric flux.

This is what I can think of, I would really appreciate further comments for one or all of you.

Thanks and Regards,
Revati.
 
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Are you sure you're not confusing 'flux' and 'field'?

A flux is just an integral over a surface, and hence a number. It doesn't make sense to talk about it as being closed or not.

The characteristic of closure is a characteristic of the magnetic field however.
 
Feild or Flux

Thanks for clarifying.

Yes I admit that I was a bit confused when I said flux. I should have mentioned field instead.

Thanks and Regards,
Ravi
 

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