Power adapters and chargers are terms that are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but in fact, they are not exactly the same thing, although they are closely related and have overlapping functions.

　　A charger is a device whose primary purpose is to charge a battery. It is designed to convert electrical energy from an external source (usually the mains electricity) into a form that can be stored in a battery. Chargers are often optimized for the specific battery chemistry and voltage requirements of the device they are intended to charge. For example, a smartphone charger is designed to work with the lithium - ion battery inside the phone, providing the correct voltage and current levels to ensure safe and efficient charging.

　　On the other hand, a power adapter is a more general - purpose device. Its main function is to convert the voltage and current from a power source (such as the standard household AC voltage) to a level that is suitable for an electronic device. Some power - hungry devices like laptops need a power adapter to provide a stable DC voltage and sufficient current for them to operate. A power adapter can be used not only to charge a device's battery but also to power the device directly while it is connected.

　　However, in many cases, the two terms are confused because most modern chargers also function as power adapters. For instance, the charger you use for your tablet can both charge the tablet's battery and power the tablet when it is plugged in. In this sense, it combines the functions of a charger and a power adapter. But conceptually, a charger focuses more on the battery - charging process, while a power adapter emphasizes the voltage and current conversion for the device's operation.

　　In conclusion, while power adapters and chargers share some similarities and often perform overlapping functions, they are not identical. Understanding the difference between them can help consumers make more informed decisions when choosing the right device for their electronic gadgets, whether it's for charging a battery or powering a device directly.

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