Difference Between Magnetic Field and Magnetic Force

Magnetic Field vs Magnetic Force

Magnetism is a very important property of matter which is used in a vast array of applications. Magnetic field is the strength of magnetism created by a magnet, whereas the magnetic force is the force due to two magnetic objects. The concepts of magnetic field and magnetic force are widely used in fields such as classical mechanics, electromagnetic theory, field theory and various other applications. In this article, we are going to discuss what magnetic field and magnetic force are, their definitions, the applications of these two, the similarities and finally the differences between magnetic field and magnetic force.

Magnetic Field

Magnets were discovered by Chinese and Greeks in the period of 800 B.C. to 600 B.C. In 1820 Hans Christian Oersted, a Danish physicist discovered that a current carrying wire causes a compass needle to orient perpendicular to the wire. This is known as the induction magnetic field. A magnetic field is always caused by a moving charge (i.e. a time varying electric field). The permanent magnets are the result of electron spins of atoms combining together to create a net magnetic field. To understand the concept of magnetic field one must first understand the concept of magnetic field lines. Magnetic field lines or magnetic lines of forces are a set of imaginary lines which are drawn from N (north) pole of the magnet to the S (south) pole of the magnet. In definition these lines never cross each other unless the magnetic field intensity is zero. It must be noted that magnetic lines of forces are a concept. They don’t exist in real life. It is a model which is convenient to compare magnetic fields qualitatively. The magnetic field is the quantitative distribution of these magnetic field lines. The magnetic field strength at a certain point is proportional to the magnetic field line density at that point. Magnetic field is also known as the magnetic flux density.

Magnetic Force

Magnetic force is the force that is created by two magnets. A single magnet cannot create a magnetic force. Magnetic forces are created when a magnet, a magnetic material, or a current carrying wire is placed at an external magnetic field. Forces due to uniform magnetic fields are easy to calculate, but forces due to irregular magnetic fields are relatively hard. Magnetic forces are measured in Newton. These forces are always mutual.

What is the difference between Magnetic Field and Magnetic Force? • Only a single magnet is required to create a magnetic field. At least two magnets must be present to create a magnetic field. • Magnetic field is measured in tesla or gauss, whereas the magnetic force is measured in newton. • There are two types of magnetic fields known as B field and H field, but there is only one type of magnetic force.