What is the Difference Between Electromagnetism and Magnetism?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between electromagnetism and magnetism lies in the way magnetic fields are generated and their properties. Here are the key differences:
- Magnetic Field Generation: Electromagnets generate magnetic fields when electric current flows through them, while permanent magnets are permanently magnetized and do not need an electric current to generate magnetism.
- On/Off Switching: Electromagnets can be turned on and off, and their magnetic field strength can be adjusted, whereas permanent magnets have a fixed magnetic field strength and cannot be easily switched off.
- Electromagnetic Force: Electromagnetism is the branch of physics that deals with the study of electromagnetic force, which includes both magnetic and electric fields. Magnetism, on the other hand, is a physical phenomenon associated with magnetic fields and the force they exert on certain objects.
- Components: Electric and magnetic fields are both components of an electromagnetic field. Electric fields are caused by electric charges, while magnetic fields are caused by moving electric charges.
- Relationship: There is a relationship between electric and magnetic fields, as a change in one produces a change in the other. This relationship allows the formation of electromagnetic waves, including light and heat.
In summary, electromagnetism is a broader field of study that encompasses both magnetic and electric fields, while magnetism is a specific aspect of electromagnetism that focuses on magnetic fields and their effects on certain objects. Electromagnets can be controlled and adjusted, whereas permanent magnets have a fixed magnetic field strength and cannot be easily switched off.
Comparative Table: Electromagnetism vs Magnetism
Here is a table comparing the differences between electromagnetism and magnetism:
Feature | Electromagnetism | Magnetism |
---|---|---|
Definition | Electromagnetism is the interaction between electrically charged particles and magnetic fields, which involves the use of electricity to create magnetic fields. | Magnetism is a phenomenon where materials exert attractive or repulsive forces on other materials due to their magnetic properties. |
Origin | Electromagnets require a continuous electric current to generate a magnetic field. | Permanent magnets do not need an electric current to generate magnetism. They have intrinsic magnetic properties. |
Magnetic Field Strength | The strength of the magnetic field can be adjusted by varying the amount of electricity flowing through the coil. | The magnetic field strength depends on the nature of the material used in its creation. |
Pole Reversal | Electromagnets can have their poles reversed by reversing the direction of the electric current. | Permanent magnets have fixed poles, and their polarity cannot be reversed without demagnetizing the material. |
Applications | Electromagnets are used in devices such as electric cars, refrigerators, washing machines, and tumble dryers. | Magnets are used in various applications, including refrigerator magnets, jewelry clasps, toys, and organized office and kitchen supplies. |
Electromagnetism and magnetism are related phenomena, but they differ in their origin, strength, and reversibility of magnetic fields. Electromagnets require an electric current to generate a magnetic field, while permanent magnets have intrinsic magnetic properties that do not require an electric current.
- Electricity vs Magnetism
- Bar Magnet vs Electromagnet
- Gravity vs Magnetism
- Electromagnet vs Permanent Magnet
- Electrostatic vs Electromagnetic
- Electrostatics vs Magnetostatics
- Electromagnetic Induction vs Magnetic Induction
- Electric Field vs Magnetic Field
- Magnetic Force vs Electric Force
- Radiation vs Electromagnetic Radiation
- Ferromagnetism vs Ferrimagnetism
- Electromagnetic Radiation vs Electromagnetic Waves
- Magnetization vs Demagnetization
- Ferromagnetism vs Antiferromagnetism
- Magnetic Field vs Magnetic Force
- Electric Dipole vs Magnetic Dipole
- Electromagnetic Radiation vs Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Mechanical vs Electromagnetic Waves
- Magnetic Intensity vs Intensity of Magnetisation