Final answer:
Partial dependency relates to a non-prime attribute's reliance on part of a composite key, which impacts database normalization at 2NF, while transitive dependency involves a non-prime attribute depending on another non-prime attribute, affecting normalization at 3NF.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences between partial dependency and transitive dependency in database management systems (DBMS) pertain to their roles in the normalization process, which organizes database attributes to reduce data redundancy and improve data integrity.
Partial dependency occurs when a non-prime attribute is dependent on part of a composite primary key, rather than the whole key. Transitive dependency, on the other hand, happens when a non-prime attribute is dependent on another non-prime attribute, which in turn is dependent on a primary key.
Partial dependency must be eliminated to achieve the second normal form (2NF), while transitive dependency must be removed to reach the third normal form (3NF). For example, in a database with a table containing columns 'StudentID', 'CourseID', 'InstructorName', and 'InstructorEmail',
a partial dependency exists if 'InstructorName' is solely dependent on 'CourseID', while a transitive dependency exists if 'InstructorEmail' depends on 'InstructorName', which in turn depends on 'CourseID'. Eliminating these dependencies is essential to ensuring a well-structured and efficient database.