What is the Difference Between Gravitational Force and Magnetic Force?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The key difference between gravitational force and magnetic force lies in their properties and the objects they act upon. Here are the main differences between the two forces:

  1. Nature of the force: Gravitational force is a force of attraction between two objects with mass, while magnetic force is a force experienced by two magnetic materials when they are brought together, causing them to attract or repel each other.
  2. Direction of the force: Gravitational forces always attract and never repel, while magnetic forces can either attract or repel, depending on the orientation of the magnets.
  3. Strength: Gravitational force is usually a weak force, while magnetic force is a much stronger force. For example, the gravitational force on Earth helps us walk on the Earth's surface, while the magnetic force is the basic force responsible for the action of electric motors.
  4. Dependence on properties: Gravitational force acts between any two objects with mass, regardless of the materials they are made of. In contrast, magnetic force depends on specific properties of objects and only occurs between specific materials, mainly iron and certain iron alloys.
  5. Equations: The equation for gravitational force is derived from Newton's law of universal gravitation, while the equation for magnetic force is derived from electromagnetism, and it involves the charge, velocity of the particle, and the size of the magnetic field.

In summary, gravitational force is a force of attraction between objects with mass, while magnetic force is a force experienced by magnetic materials. Gravitational force always attracts and is usually weaker than magnetic force, which can attract or repel depending on the orientation of the magnets.

Comparative Table: Gravitational Force vs Magnetic Force

Here is a table comparing the differences between gravitational force and magnetic force:

Property Gravitational Force Magnetic Force
Definition Force of attraction between two objects with mass Force of attraction or repulsion between two charged particles or objects containing magnetic materials
Cause Mass of objects Electric charges or magnetic materials
Equation $$F{grav} = G \frac{m1 m_2}{r^2}$$ $$F_{mag} = q v B$$
Key Difference Acts between any two objects with mass Acts between charged particles or magnetic materials
Direction Always attractive Can be attractive or repulsive based on ionic charge
Distance Force falls off inversely with the distance squared Force falls off at least as fast as inversely with the distance to the power of 3 or greater

In summary, gravitational force acts between any two objects with mass and is always attractive. Magnetic force, on the other hand, acts between charged particles or magnetic materials and can be either attractive or repulsive based on the ionic charge of the object.