What is the difference between permanent magnet fields and electromagnet fields?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between permanent magnet fields and electromagnet fields. An electromagnet consists of a wire wound around a metal core, generating a magnetic field only when an electric current flows through it. In contrast, a permanent magnet maintains its magnetic field due to microscopic currents within the material itself. Both types of magnets exhibit similar magnetic field characteristics, but their operational mechanisms differ significantly.

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  • Knowledge of materials used in permanent magnets
  • Basic concepts of magnetic field generation
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What is the difference between permanent magnet fields and electromagnet fields?
 
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An electromagnet is a wire around a piece of metal: it is only magnetic as long as a current flows through the wire. But its magnetic field is the same as that of a permanent magnet. You may look at a permanent magnet as a piece of metal that has microscopic currents running inside it, and which maintain the magnetic field.
 
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