Similarities and differences in magnetic and electric field (Dilpreet posted this question)
| Similarities | Differences |
| Both electric and magnetic field are conservative forcesBoth obey inverse square law
Both are non contact forces (Forces can be exerted without contact) Both are attractive as well as repulsive (Like poles repel, like charges repel; unlike poles attract, unlike charges attract) |
Electric field is produced by a charge whether at rest or in motionBut magnetic field is produced only by a moving charge
The total magnetic flux through any closed surface is always zero, but the total electric flux through any closed surface is equal to the net charge enclosed by the surface multiplied by the reciprocal of absolute permitivity Electric field lines are discontinuous as they have a starting point (+ charge) and an ending point (- charge); But magnetic field lines are continuous, they always form closed loops |
