What is the difference between electric field and magnetic field

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the differences between electric fields and magnetic fields, exploring both theoretical and practical aspects of these concepts within electromagnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that from a special relativistic perspective, electric and magnetic fields are different aspects of the same electromagnetic field, arising from different types of currents.
  • One participant presents mathematical expressions related to electric and magnetic fields, highlighting their divergence and curl, suggesting a technical approach to the differences.
  • Another participant states that classically, electric fields are caused by charge, while magnetic fields are caused by moving charges, noting that time-varying fields can induce the other field.
  • It is mentioned that the relative motion of an observer can affect the perception of electric and magnetic fields, depending on the configuration of charges and motion.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of the Lorentz Force equation in understanding the interaction of electric and magnetic fields with charged particles, suggesting that this interaction is key to distinguishing between the two fields.
  • One participant notes that an electric field will affect a charged particle at rest, while a magnetic field will not cause a charged particle at rest to move, further clarifying the distinction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of electric and magnetic fields, with some emphasizing their interrelatedness and others focusing on their distinct effects on charged particles. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of fields and their interactions with charges are not fully explored, and the discussion includes various mathematical formulations that may depend on specific contexts or definitions.

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

[tex]\nabla \circ \vec{E} = \frac{\rho}{\epsilon_{0}}[/tex]
[tex]\nabla \times \vec{E} = -\frac{{\partial}{\vec{B}}}{{\partial}{t}}[/tex]
vs.
[tex]\nabla \circ \vec{B} = 0[/tex]
[tex]\nabla \times \vec{B} = \mu_{0} \vec{J} + \mu_{0} \epsilon_{0} \frac{{\partial}{E}}{{\partial}{t}}[/tex]

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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