How does the electromagnetic force work? How can it both attract and repel?

2 Answers
Oct 14, 2017

It is the force of the nickel-iron core of the earth moving against the lighter material above it which creates an electro-magnetic field.

Explanation:

Magnetism by definition has both a north and south pole, one being positively charged and the other negatively. Hence a positively charge particle will be attracted to a negatively charged particle while repulsed by another positively charged particle.

Oct 16, 2017

Like charges repel, unlike charges attract.

Explanation:

Electromagnetism is all about charged particles. Like charges repel and unlike charges attract. Electromagnetism is mediated by photons. They surround charged particles and mediate the force.

Gravity as we know it is only attractive. Electromagnetism works both ways dependent on the charge.