How is the magnetic force on a particle moving in a magnetic field different from gravitational and electric forces? Gravitational and electric forces act along the line connecting two interacting objects, whereas magnetic forces act perpendicular to the motion of the particle and the magnetic field. Gravitational and electric forces are proportional to the inverse square of the distance, whereas magnetic deflection forces are inversely proportional to distance. Gravitational and electric forces can be shielded, whereas magnetic forces cannot. Gravitational and electric forces are proportional to the product of either mass or charge, whereas magnetic deflection forces are inversely proportional to the pole strengths