Difference Between Permanent Magnet And Electromagnet

The key difference between permanent magnet and electromagnet is that permanent magnets are made from different types of metals that maintain a constant magnetic field throughout the life of the magnet and electromagnets use electricity to generate their magnetic field. Permanent magnets differ from electromagnets in structure and function.

What is a Permanent Magnet?

The word permanent in permanent magnet itself indicates that its magnetic properties are never-ending. Magnets are metals that are stronger than their non-magnetic counterparts due to the iron in them maintaining a strong magnetic field.

Permanent magnets work by using natural forces like gravity or brute force. Iron is one of the most common permanent magnets found in nature due to its high magnetism and affordability.

What is an Electromagnet?

A wire wound on a coil is called an electromagnet when an electric current passes through it and the magnetic field is created. When we turn off the electric current the magnetic field also disappears. So the electromagnet depends on the electric current.

Difference Between Permanent Magnet And Electromagnet

Electromagnet	Permanent Magnet
A wire acts as an electromagnet when an electric current passes through it and produces a magnetic field in it.	A permanent magnet is a material whose magnetic properties are everlasting.
The magnetic field of an electromagnet depends on the strength of the electric current.	The strength of the magnetic field of a permanent magnet depends on the nature of the material.
The magnetic properties of electromagnets can be removed temporarily.	It becomes unusable when its magnetic properties are lost.
A continuous electric current is required to maintain its magnetic field.	Its magnetic field depends on the nature of the material.
It constitutes soft materials like soft iron core.	It constitutes hard materials like steel.
The poles of an electromagnet can be changed by changing the direction of the electric current.	There are two poles of a permanent magnet that can not be changed.

Related FAQs