Short Answer:

An electric field is a region around a charged particle where another charge feels a force. It is produced by electric charges, whether they are at rest or moving. The electric field shows the direction and strength of force on a unit positive charge and is measured in volts per meter (V/m) or newtons per coulomb (N/C).

A magnetic field, on the other hand, is produced only by moving charges, such as electric current or rotating electrons in atoms. It affects other moving charges or magnets and is measured in tesla (T). While electric fields act on stationary and moving charges, magnetic fields act only on moving charges.

Detailed Explanation:

Difference between electric and magnetic fields

Electric and magnetic fields are two fundamental concepts in electromagnetism. Though they are closely related and often occur together (as in electromagnetic waves), they have different causes, behaviors, and effects. Understanding their difference is important in analyzing circuits, electric devices, and electromagnetic systems.

Electric field

An electric field is created by electric charges. It exists around any charged object, whether the charge is at rest or moving. The field shows the force experienced by a unit positive charge placed in that region. The direction of the electric field is away from positive charges and toward negative charges.

Key features of electric field:

• Created by stationary or moving charges
• Acts on any other charge, whether moving or not
• Represented by electric field lines
• Unit: newton per coulomb (N/C) or volt per meter (V/m)
• It can exist in vacuum or any material medium
• Formula:

E=FqE = \frac{F}{q}E=qF​

Magnetic field

A magnetic field is produced only when charges are moving, such as in a current-carrying wire or spinning electrons inside atoms. It acts on other moving charges or magnetic materials. The direction of the magnetic field is shown by the direction in which a compass needle points.

Key features of magnetic field:

• Created by moving charges (electric current)
• Acts only on moving charges
• Represented by magnetic field lines
• Unit: tesla (T)
• Magnetic field is always associated with a circular pattern around a wire carrying current
• Formula for magnetic force:

F=q(v×B)F = q(v \times B)F=q(v×B)

where vvv is velocity and BBB is magnetic field

Major differences

1. Source:
   • Electric field: produced by charges
   • Magnetic field: produced by moving charges (current)
2. Effect on charges:
   • Electric field: affects both stationary and moving charges
   • Magnetic field: affects only moving charges
3. Direction:
   • Electric field lines: go from positive to negative
   • Magnetic field lines: go from north to south pole
4. Units:
   • Electric field: N/C or V/m
   • Magnetic field: tesla (T)
5. Independent existence:
   • Electric field can exist alone (like around a static charge)
   • Magnetic field always involves motion (current or moving electrons)

Real-life examples

• Electric field: Static electricity when comb attracts paper, electric force between charged balloons.
• Magnetic field: Magnetic compass near a wire, bar magnets attracting iron pins, electric motors.

These two fields combine in electromagnetic waves like light, where changing electric fields produce magnetic fields and vice versa.

Conclusion:

The electric field is produced by any electric charge and affects all charges. The magnetic field is produced only by moving charges and acts on other moving charges or magnets. They are different in origin, behavior, and effect but are linked together in many applications. Understanding their differences is essential for studying electricity, magnetism, and electronics