Final answer:
Magnetic fields are represented by continuous closed loops, while electric fields originate from positive charges and end at negative charges. Electric forces are parallel to electric field lines, whereas magnetic forces on moving charges are perpendicular to magnetic field lines. Methods to visualize these fields include using a compass or iron filings for magnetic fields, and electric field lines can be demonstrated by the arrangement of charges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences Between Magnetic and Electric Fields
Both magnetic fields and electric fields describe the influence that charged objects exert on each other. The direction of either field is tangent to the field lines at any point in space, indicating the direction of force that a small test charge or magnetic pole would experience if placed in the field. However, there are significant differences between the two.
Firstly, electric field lines originate from positive charges and terminate at negative charges, illustrating the direction of the electric force on a positive test charge, which is parallel to the field lines. Magnetic field lines, on the other hand, form closed loops, emerging from the north pole of a magnet and entering the south pole, but never starting or ending—they are continuous. The magnetic force on a moving charge is not in the direction of the field but is instead perpendicular to both the magnetic field lines and the velocity of the charge.
Electric fields are created by stationary charges, while magnetic fields are created by moving charges (currents) or by magnetic materials like iron. Also, the pattern of lines can be visualized differently. For electric fields, the pattern can be represented by lines radiating away from or towards the charges, depending on their polarity. In contrast, magnetic field lines can be visualized with a compass or using iron filings which align themselves with the field.