Author

Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Electromagnetism and Magnetism?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

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.

On this page

What is the Difference Between Electromagnetism and Magnetism?

Comparative Table: Electromagnetism vs Magnetism

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.

Read more:

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.