Electromagnets vs magnets: the physics of magnetic force

In the world of science and engineering, magnetism is much more than a force that sticks a note to your fridge. It is the invisible engine driving our most advanced technologies, from the medical imaging machines (MRI) saving lives to the particle accelerators at CERN probing the sciences of the subatomic.

But not all magnets are created equal. Understanding the fundamental differences between permanent magnets and electromagnets is essential to understanding the future of technology.

1. How are electromagnets similar to other magnets?

Before diving into the differences, it is important to understand how electromagnets are similar to other magnets. At their core, both operate on the principles of electromagnetism discovered in the 19th century.

• Magnetic fields: both generate a field that can attract or repel ferromagnetic materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt.

• Dipoles: every magnet, whether a simple fridge magnet or a massive industrial electromagnet, has a north and a south pole.

• Lorentz force: both types of magnets exert a force on moving electric charges, which is the principle behind electric motors.

2. Electromagnet vs. normal magnet: key differences

When people search for the electromagnet and magnet difference, they are usually looking for the "control factor." While a normal magnet (or "regular" magnet) is static, an electromagnet is dynamic.

Electromagnet and bar magnet difference

The bar magnet is the most common example of a permanent magnet.

• Source: a bar magnet’s field comes from the internal structure of the material. An electromagnet’s field comes from an external electric current.

• Flexibility: you cannot turn a bar magnet "off." You can turn an electromagnet off instantly.

• Consistency: a bar magnet's strength is fixed. An electromagnet's strength can be tuned by adjusting the voltage.

3. Electromagnetic vs. magnetic field: what’s the distinction?

There is often confusion between an electromagnetic field vs. a magnetic field.

• Magnetic field: a static field produced by permanent magnets or steady DC currents. It only has a magnetic component.

• Electromagnetic field (EMF): produced by moving electric charges (AC current). It consists of both an electric field and a magnetic field oscillating together. In high-tech applications like 5G or Maglev, managing the EMF is critical for safety and efficiency.

4. What are permanent magnets? (The constant force)

A permanent magnet creates its own persistent magnetic field through ferromagnetism. Inside these materials, the "spins" of electrons are aligned in the same direction within regions called magnetic domains.

Key characteristics:

• Always "on": requires no external power source.

• Materials: typically made from alloys like Neodymium (NdFeB) or Samarium-cobalt.

• Durability: they can retain their magnetism for decades unless exposed to extreme heat (Curie temperature).

5. What are electromagnets? (The controlled force)

An electromagnet is a temporary magnet consisting of a wire coil (a solenoid) wrapped around a ferromagnetic core.

Why the electromagnet and permanent magnet difference matters

In industrial settings, the electromagnet vs. normal magnet debate is settled by the need for automation.

• On/off capability: essential for scrap metal cranes or hard drive heads.

• Are electromagnets permanent magnets? No. They are temporary and depend entirely on a power supply. Without electricity, the magnetic field collapses.

6. 2026 Scientific update: AI and the revolution of magnetism

As of 2026, the field of magnetism is undergoing a radical transformation thanks to Artificial Intelligence.

AI-driven material discovery

Researchers are using Generative AI to discover new "rare-earth free" magnets. This reduces dependence on complex supply chains while maintaining high performance for EV motors and wind turbines.

High-Energy Collisions at CERN

At the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), AI algorithms monitor superconducting electromagnets. These magnets are responsible for bending beams of protons traveling at 99.9999991% the speed of light. By precisely timing the magnetic pulse, scientists trigger high-energy particle collisions that recreate the conditions of the Big Bang, allowing us to see how matter was formed.

7. Electromagnets vs. magnets: comparison table

8. Modern applications: shaping the future

• Medical imaging (MRI):uses massive superconducting electromagnets to see inside the human body.

• Transportation: Maglev trains use electromagnets to eliminate friction, reaching speeds over 600 km/h.

• Consumer tech: from the magnetic exercise bike (using eddy current braking) to the sensors in your smartphone.

9. Go further with GiroScience

If you found this exploration of magnetism fascinating, you might also enjoy these recent insights from our laboratory:

• LIGO: The Cosmic Ears That Listen to the Universe: explore how gravitational waves are detected using the world's most sensitive instruments.

• What is Quark-Gluon Plasma? (QGP): a visual guide to the primordial state of matter shaped during the early universe.

• Oumuamua E-book: Data, Mystery & Analysis: download our full report on the first interstellar visitor and its mysterious acceleration.

10. Conclusion: a synergetic future

Whether it's an electromagnet vs. a permanent magnet, both are vital. Permanent magnets provide reliability, while electromagnets provide the raw, adjustable power required for the frontiers of science.

Visualizing the invisible forces of the universe is our mission at GiroScience. Explore our Interactive Solar System to see how magnetic fields protect our planet from solar winds.

Scientific sources & further reading

• Fermilab/SLAC publication on Symmetry Magazine: How to train your magnet

• Mercatus Center: The Future of Materials Science: AI, Automation, and Policy Strategies

• Scientific American: The Solar System’s Mysterious Magnetic Fields