Electrical is actually a subset of electromagnetism. Electromagnetism is the broader field that encompasses both electric and magnetic phenomena and explains how they interact with each other. It includes everything from static electric charges and magnetic fields to electromagnetic waves such as light and radio signals. Electrical science focuses specifically on the behavior and application of electric charges, currents, and voltages essentially, the electrical aspects of electromagnetism.
Electricity refers to the study and use of electric charge, current, voltage, and the behavior of electric circuits. It deals primarily with the movement of electrons through conductors and the ways electrical energy is generated, transmitted, and utilized. Electrical concepts include phenomena such as resistance, capacitance, and inductance, and are applied in systems like power generation, transmission lines, lighting, and electronic devices. In essence, electrical science focuses on the properties and effects of stationary or moving electric charges.
Electromagnetism, on the other hand, is the branch of physics that studies the relationship between electricity and magnetism. It explains how electric currents produce magnetic fields and how changing magnetic fields can generate electric currents, as described by Maxwell’s equations. Electromagnetism forms the foundation for technologies such as electric motors, generators, transformers, and wireless communication systems. While electricity concerns charge and current, electromagnetism unifies these with magnetic forces, showing that they are interrelated aspects of the same physical phenomenon.
Key Points about Electrical vs Electromagnetism
- Electricity is a subset of electromagnetism, focusing solely on electric charge and its effects.
- Electromagnetism includes both electricity and magnetism, as well as their interplay.
- Electricity deals with charges (static or moving) and their direct effects, like powering devices.
- Electromagnetism covers additional phenomena like magnetic fields from currents, electromagnetic induction, and electromagnetic radiation.
- Electricity can produce magnetic effects (e.g., a current-carrying wire creates a magnetic field).
- Magnetism can induce electricity (e.g., moving a magnet near a coil generates an electric current).
- Electromagnetism, as a unified theory, explains these interactions, with electricity being one of its components.
