Difference between Gravity and Magnetism
Gravity and magnetism are two naturally occurring forces that do not have very much in common aside from their ability to attract objects. Beyond that, gravity and magnetism have their own unique properties and characteristics, as you will see form this comparison article.
Definition
Gravity is a distinct force that exerts its influence on two or more objects no matter what they are made of. As long as all these objects have mass, gravity will work between them, pulling them toward each other if there is gravity present.
Magnetism on the other hand does not affect every object. This force is dependent on the specific properties of the different objects. Magnetism actually exerts its force in two directions: pulling objects toward each other or pulling them apart. This force is dependent on the alignment of electrons in the objects in question. This makes gravity quite distinct from gravity.
Sensitivity Of Other Objects
Gravity basically has an effect on every object that has mass. Magnetism on the other hand exerts its force on only a relatively few objects. In fact, there are many more non-magnetic objects on the planet than there are magnetically sensitive objects. Contrast that with gravity, which basically affects every single thing on Earth that has mass and you can see the clear difference between gravity and magnetism.
Where It Exists
Gravity is a property that is unique to celestial bodies. These include the stars, the planets, the sun, the moon, and even the larger asteroids. The infamous black holes are in fact the result of a dying star’s gravity being too much for it to handle–among other factors–causing stellar matter, and even light itself to collapse into its massive force. And it did all that while it was dying, so imagine just how much force it had in its prime!
Magnetism on the other hand can be found only in a select few objects. A few such objects are ferrous or iron-based in nature, and they have the ability to attract objects that are magnetically sensitive.
Similarities and Differences
Gravity
- A distinct force that exerts its influence on two or more objects no matter what they are made of
- Has an effect on every object that has mass
- Unique to celestial bodies. These include the stars, the planets, the sun, the moon, and even the larger asteroids
Magnetism
- Does not affect every object
- Dependent on the specific properties of the different objects.
- Exerts its force in two directions: pulling objects toward each other or pulling them apart.
- Dependent on the alignment of electrons in the objects in question
- Exerts its force on only a relatively few objects
- There are many more non-magnetic objects on the planet than there are magnetically sensitive objects
- Objects are ferrous in nature, and they have the ability to attract objects that are magnetically sensitive
