What is the Difference Between Capacitor and Condenser?

The terms "capacitor" and "condenser" are often used interchangeably in the context of electronics, and they essentially refer to the same thing. A capacitor, or condenser, is a passive electronic component that can store electrical charge and block the passage of alternating current (AC). However, there are some differences in their usage and applications in various fields:

• Electronics: In electronics, both capacitors and condensers are used to store electrical charge in an electric field. Capacitors are more commonly used in modern literature, while the term "condenser" is less frequently used.
• Other disciplines: In other fields, such as thermodynamics and optics, a condenser may refer to a device that converts vapor into its fluid state by cooling it. In optics, a condenser can also mean an optical system that focuses light beams from a light source into a narrower beam.

In summary, the main difference between a capacitor and a condenser is that a capacitor is a more modern term used in electronics, while the term "condenser" is older and may have different meanings in various fields. However, in the context of electronics, they both refer to the same component.

Comparative Table: Capacitor vs Condenser

The main difference between a capacitor and a condenser lies in their definitions and applications. Here is a table comparing the two:

In the world of electronics, capacitor and condenser refer to the same device, which is used to store an electric charge. However, the term "condenser" is considered obsolete and is rarely used in modern literature. In other fields of study, such as mechanical engineering, a condenser may refer to a device that converts vapor into liquid, which is different from the electronic capacitor.