What is the difference between electric field and magnetic field

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SUMMARY

The electric field and magnetic field are two components of the electromagnetic (EM) field, which are interrelated through special relativity. Classically, electric fields arise from stationary charges, while magnetic fields are produced by moving charges. The Lorentz Force equation is crucial for understanding their interaction with charged particles; an electric field influences a stationary charged particle, whereas a magnetic field does not. The equations governing these fields include Maxwell's equations, which describe their behavior and interdependence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's equations
  • Familiarity with the Lorentz Force equation
  • Basic knowledge of electric and magnetic fields
  • Concept of electromagnetic waves
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Maxwell's equations in detail
  • Explore the Lorentz Force equation and its applications
  • Investigate the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in electromagnetic waves
  • Learn about the effects of moving charges on electric and magnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and their applications in technology.

Lizwi
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What is the difference between electric field and magnetic field
 
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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?
 


Lizwi said:
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..
 


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.
 


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).
 


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.
 

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