What is the difference between an electrical wave and a magnetic wave?

Answer 1

In the general sense, a magnetic circuit is any path taken by magnetic flux. More specifically, it is associated with the magnetic flux within (usually) silicon steel 'cores' such as those found in transformer, generators, motors, relays, etc. They can be 'homogenous', where the flux path is completely contained with the same material (e.g. a transformer core), or 'compound', where the flux path incorporates, say, an air gap (e.g. motor/generator fields).

A magnetic circuit can be compared with an electric circuit, where

-magnetomotive force (mmf) is equivalent to electromotive force

-flux is equivalent to electric current

-reluctance is equivalent to resistance

The source of a magnetic circuit's magnetomotive force is a current-carrying coil. The magnitude of this mmf is the product of the current flowing through the coil, and the number of turns (I x N). Since the number of turns is dimensionless, the SI unit of measurement of mmf is the ampere (A), although it is frequently 'spoken' of as 'ampere turns', to avoid confusion with the unit for electric current.

Magnetic flux is measured in webers (Wb), pronounced 'vay-bers'.

Reluctance is measured in amperes per weber (A/Wb) although, again, it is frequently spoken as 'ampere-turns per weber'.

Another similarity with electric circuits, is that the equivalent of 'Ohm's Law' also applies to magnetic circuits: i.e. flux = mmf / reluctance.

Finally, magnetic circuits can also be compared with series, parallel, or series-parallel circuits, but this is beyond the scope of this answer!

Answer 2

An electrical wave is a fluctuation in the electric field, while a magnetic wave is a fluctuation in the magnetic field. Electromagnetic waves arise from the interaction between these two fields propagating through space. Both fields are interconnected and essential components of electromagnetic radiation.

Answer 3

it is not really possible to have one without the other.