Difference between router and switch | Router vs Switch

Router and switch are both network connecting devices. The router works at network layers and it is responsible to find the shortest path for a packet. While the switch connects various devices in a network. The router connects devices across multiple networks. Here this article gives information about the difference between router and switch are given below to better understand this topic.

What is a router?

The router is a computer networking device that serve two primary functions: create and maintain a local area network and manage the data entering and leaving the network as well as data moving inside of the network.

What is the switch?

A network switch is a computer networking device that is used to connect many devices together on a computer network. A switch is considered more advanced than a hub because a switch will on send message to the device that needs or request it.

The main key difference between router and switch:

  • The main objective of the router is to connect various networks simultaneously while the main objective of the switch is to connect various devices simultaneously.
  • Router word in the network layer, While switch work data link layer.
  • The router is used by LAN as well as MAN, while the switch is used only LAN.
  • Router and switch both are full-duplex mode transmission.
  • The router is a network device while the switch is an active device and network device.
  • The router is data sent in the form of the packet while the switch is data is sent in the form of packet and frame.
  • Port in rout 2/4/5/8 while the switch multi-port is 24/48 port. 
  • The router is compatible with NAT, Switch is not compatible with NAT.
  • A router is less collision take place, while switch there is no collision take place in a full-duplex switch.
  • Speed is  1-100 Mbps in wireless, and 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps in wires for the router, while the switch is 10/100 Mbps, 1 Gbps. 
  • A router is a different network environment, a router is faster than an L3 switch while in the switch is LAN environment an L3 switch is faster than the router.
  • In the router, the transmission in initial level broadcast then unicast and multicast while the switch transmission in first broadcast the unicast and multicast as needed.
  • Router type: Adaptive and non-adaptive type while switching type: circuit, packet, and message switching.
  • In the router, every port is its own broadcast domain, while the switch has its own broadcast domain.
  • The router used IP address, Switch uses the MAC address.
  • Router and switch both are intelligent device.
  • Router manufacturing Asus, TP-link, D-link, Cisco, Netgear, Linksys while the switch is manufacturing to the Cisco and D link juniper.
  • The router takes fast routing decision, Switch take more time for complicated routing decision.
  • A router can work both wired and wireless network situations while the switch is restricted to wired network connections.
  • A router is a firewall VPN dynamic handling of bandwidth, while the switch is main features is priority range on/off port VLAN port mirroring.
  • An example of the router is Linksys WRT54GL juniper MX and EX series cisco 3900, 2900, 1900. Switch Alcatel's Omni switches 9000; Cisco Catalyst switches 4500 and 6500.
Explore more information:
  1. Difference between DSL modem and cable modem
  2. Difference between router and modem
  3. Difference between router and bridge
  4. Difference between switch and hub
  5. Difference between internet and wifi
  6. Difference between internet and Ethernet
  7. Difference between packet switching and message switching

Difference between router and modem | Router vs Modem

The main difference between the router and modem is that router connects devices to WiFi. We reviewed both to take away the confusion about how they work and to help you choose which device you will need for your internet needs. 

What is Modem?

A modem relays signals from your internet service provider to your home or office by converting the analog internet signal into digital signals. It is your gateway to the outside world, letting your network connect to the rather internet. Usually, you will get your network to connect to the rather internet plan.

What is a Router?

A router is a networking device that routes your internet connection from your modem to all of your devices, such as mobile phones, desktop, smart TVs, laptops, etc. This enables them all to connect to the internet at the same time. A router also makes it possible for different devices at the same time. A router also makes it possible for the different devices to communicate with one another over the network.

The main key difference between router and modem are listed below:

  • A router can provide direct data in a network. Passes data between home computers, and between computers and also the modem. While a modem is provided facilitates a connection to the internet by transmitting and receiving data over telephone lines.
  • The router is a network layer while the modem is a data line layer.
  • Port in router 2/4/5/8 while the modem port is only 2. One for connection to ISP and another dor to connect with the router.
  • Router establish to a local network while the modem establishes to decode the signal from ISP.
  • Both need to data transmission in packet form.
  • The router is a networking device, Modem is internetworking devices.
  • The router can connect to multiple PCs or networking dives via ethernet or WiFi while the modem can connect to one PC using an Ethernet port.
  • The router does not need necessary for internet connection, but provide additional security and allows for multiple connections while the modem internet connection is necessary to requirement.
  • The router requires the modem to connect the internet while the modem is not responsible for WiFi.
  • The router can share information between computers, but cannot to the internet without a modem while a Modem can work without a router, Delivering information to a single PC.
  • The router provides security measure to protect the network, Modem is not measured security.
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Difference Between DSL Modem and Cable Modem

There is a number of choices that include DSL modem and cable modem. The main key difference between DSL and cable modem is with what device and what services they are linked with it. The DSL modem is connected to the telephone line and thus it links together with your phone service, While the cable modem connects to your cable box and is an add on do not need a landline phone, more common than you think given the growing dependence on mobile phones.

What is a DSL modem?

A DSL modem is configured with your telephone line. This modem is responsible for the connection between your PC and the telephone line that contains the digital subscriber line service. Sometimes it is often referred to as a DSL transceiver and is implemented on the subscriber end of the DSL connection.

What is a cable modem?

A cable modem works exactly similar to the DSL modem except that it creates communication between your PC and it uses the cable television line by converting the signal compatibility. The cable modem can either be internal or be external for with your PC  to establish a connection and in some cases, it can be included with your TV cable receiver.

The main key difference between the DSL modem and cable modem are listed below:


  • The DSL modem is tied to some of the phone line while the cable modem is tied to the TV box.
  • DSL modems get more reliable speeds to compare with the cable modems.
  • The cable modems can offer faster speeds than DSL modems.
  • Cable modems are on the decline while the DSL modem are getting more popular.
  • DSL installation can be done by yourself, but a technician is always available in case you need help with installation, while the Cable modem visit from a technician.
  • The DSL modem not shred constant speed, while the cable modem shared speed varies depending on the number of the subscriber on the network.
  • Home networking is possible on both devices.
  • Equipment is needed phone jack in DSL modem, While cable modem need cable box and remote.
  • DSL modem needs security software from ISP, cable modem needs security software. 
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Difference between utp and stp

UTP, STP both are fiber optic cables, They are the most commonly used cable in computer networks. Before discussing the difference between these two, first, let we understand what is UTP and STP. UTP and STP are two types of twisted pair cable, it is also known as the 10baseT where the T  stand for twisted pair cable, Base stand for baseband signal.


Definition of UTP:

UTP called the unshielded twisted pair cable. Both data and voice both are transmitted through UTP because its frequency range is suitable. In UTP grounding cable is not necessary also in UTP much more maintenance are not needed therefore it is too much cost-effective.

Definition of STP:

STP called the Shielded twisted pair cable. In STP grounding cable is required but in UTP grounding is not required. In STP much more maintenance is needed therefore it is costlier than UTP.

The main key difference between STP and UTP are listed below:


  • UTP and STP are the types of twisted pair cable where the UTP is the unshielded type whereas the STP is shielded pair type cable, for doing metal foil or braided mesh is used.
  • UTP cables are easily installed while the installation of STP cables is difficult are cables are bigger, heavier and stiffer.
  • UTP cables are inexpensive whereas the STP cables are costly comparatively due to additional material and manufacturing.
  • STP cable is better at maximizing bandwidth compared to UTP cables.
  • Grounding is not required in UTP cables, STP cables require grounding.
  • UTP reduces the crosstalk and noise as compared to the parallel arrangement of the wires but not to a great extent. STP decreases the crosstalk, noise and electromagnetic interference significantly.
  • STP cables cost more per meter compared to UTP cable.
  • STP cables incorporate a conducting shield but of metallic foil enclosing the twisted wire pairs, which obstructs out electromagnetic interference, permitting it to carry data at an enhanced rate of speed. In contrast, UTP provides less speed for data transfer.
  • STP cable cost more per meter compared to the UTP cables.
  • UTP cables are more prevalent in SOHO networks while the STP is used in more high-end applications.
  • The data rate in UTP is slow as compared to the STP, Data rate of STP is high.

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Advantages of optical fiber communication

The advantages of optical fiber communication, in various aspects, contribute to the rapid development of an optical fiber communication system. Although it's still with some also have disadvantages and it will be improved with the future with the development of technology. Here this article gives some advantages and disadvantages of optical fiber communication to better understand this topic.

Advantages of optical fiber communication:

  • Optical fibers are insulators of electricity. They do not show earth loop and interface problems like metallic cables.
  • Optical fiber communication has enormous bandwidth and hence show for greater transmission potential than the metallic cable system.
  • It is a higher communication capacity.
  • Optical fiber communication is noise-free.
  • There is a small transmission loss in optical fibers cable as compared to the metallic cable.
  • Optical fiber cables are small in size and weight as compared to metallic cables and hence occupy small space for its operation.
  • Optical fiber provides a high degree of signal security.
  • Optical fiber forms a dielectric waveguide and is therefore free from electromagnetic interference or some radio frequency interference.
  • Optical communication cannot jump as easily as radio waves.
  • The fiber are made from the silica which is available in abundance. Hence there is no shortage of material and its cost is also less. So optical a very low-cost communication.
  • Optical fiber is most suitable for digital transmission and stitching system.
  • Optical fiber is most suitable for digital transmission and switching systems.
  • Optical fiber is most suitable for wavelength multiplexing, Very large number of signals of slightly different wavelength can be sent along with the same fiber. A pair of optical fiber can carry more than 3000 telephone calls simultaneously.
  • Optical fiber light does not radiate significantly and therefore they provide a high degree of signal security.
  • Fiber has been fabricated with losses is low as 0.2dB/km and this feature has become a major advantage of optical fiber communication.

Disadvantages of optical fiber communication:

  • The cost of manufacturing the optical fiber is high.
  • The optical fiber communication can be handled by trained and skilled engineers only.
  • In this communication, the glass fibers are easily broken than metallic wires, so extra care is needed when they are to be installed.
  • Optical fiber cables are very difficult to merge and there will be loss of the beam within the cable while scattering.
  • In optical fiber communication installation of these cables is cost-effective. They are not as robust as the wires. A special test of equipment is often required to the optical fiber.
  • Separation and coupling are not flexible for optical fiber communication 
  • In this communication special device are needed to check the transmission of fiber cable.
  • It required more protection around the fiber cable compared with copper cable.
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Optical fiber advantages and disadvantages

Optical fiber is rising in both telecommunication and data communication due to its unsurpassed advantages like faster speed, less attenuation, less impervious to electromagnetic interference(EMI), smaller size and greater information-carrying capacity, etc. Here this also gives them information about the advantages and disadvantages of optical fiber to better understand this topic.

Advantages of optical fiber:

  • Optical fiber is well protected from external interference.
  • It has greater bandwidth. than copper cable.
  • The optical fiber has greater information-carrying capacities than metallic conductors.
  • Resistance to high temperature.
  • The optical fiber and fiber cables are very strong and flexible.
  • Optical fiber is lighter and smaller. Optical fiber cables are cheaper and easy to transport and easier to install than metal cables. The size of 4.5 times better than copper wire.
  • One of the most important advantages of fiber is that they can carry large amounts of information in either digital or analog form.
  • The optical fibers are so slender that and they do not break when wrapped around curves of only a few centimeter radius.
  • Radar and some other signals cannot introduce any interference in the fiber.
  • Several miles of optical cable be made cheaper than the equivalent length of copper wire. With numerous vendors swarm to compete for the market share, optical cable prices would sure to drop.
  • Fiber has been fabricated with losses is low as 0.2dB/km and this feature has become a major advantage of optical fiber communication.
  • Optical fiber is thinner and can e was drawn to a smaller diameter than copper wire. 
  • Optical fibers usually have a too long longer life cycle for over 100 years.
  • The loss of signal in optical fiber is less than compared to the copper wire.
  • Unlike the electrical signals transmitted in copper wires, light signals from one fiber do not interfere with those of other fiber in the same fiber cable. This means clearer phone conversation or TV reception.
  • The optical cable is resistant to electromagnetic interference.
  • The installation is very easy due to less weight.
  • These cable is thinner and occupies less area compare with metal wires.
  • A fiber optic cable is very flexible, easily bends and opposes most acidic elements that hit the copper wires.
  • The optical fiber cable is very hard to tap, just because they don't produce electromagnetic energy. These cables are very secure while carrying or transmitting the data.

Disadvantages of optical fiber:

  • It is a high investment cost and installation is too much costly.
  • This fiber cannot carry electrical power to operate terminal devices.
  • Optical fiber is a delicate structure.
  • At higher optical power, fiber has prone to fiber flux, so optical fiber may get damaged.
  • It needs a more expansive transmitter and receiver equipment.
  • Optical fiber is rather fragile and more vulnerable to damage compared to use of copper wires. You'd better not to twist or to bend fiber optic cables.
  • More difficult and expensive splice then wires.
  • It is slow to any short network.
  • Optical fiber can not transmit electricity.
  • Light-emitting sources are limited to lower power. Although higher power emitter is available to improve power supply, it would add extra cost.
  • Fiber optic cable can only be used on the ground, and it cannot leave the ground or It works with the mobile communication system.
  • The optical fiber cables are very difficult to merge and there will be loss of the beam within the cable while scattering.
  • The distance between transmitter and receive should keep short or reporters are needed to boost the signals.
  • These cables are more delicate than copper wires.
  • It is unidirectional light propagation.
  • Fiber optic cable is compact and highly vulnerable while fitting.
  • It needs more expensive optical transistors and receivers.
  • Some special devices are needed to check the transmission of fiber cable.
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Difference Between Optical fiber and Coaxial Cable

The crucial difference between the optical fiber and coaxial cable is that an optical fiber is USD for the transmission of the optical signal. While the coaxial cable is used for the transmission of an electrical signal. Here this article gives information about the difference between the optical fiber and coaxial cable to better understand this topic.


Definition of coaxial cable 

Coaxial cable is also known as coax cable. The guided media that are used for transmission of the electrical signals to some distances. Coaxial cable is basically conductors that allow electrons to flow through it. Mainly copper has used the manufacturing of coaxial cable.

Definition of optical  fiber

Optical fiber is the waveguide that is used for transmitting optical signals from one end to another. Optical fibers are basically made of glass or silica is a combination of core and cladding.

The main key difference between the optical fiber and coaxial cable are listed below:

  • Optical Fiber transmit data/signal in the form of light while the coaxial cable transmits data/signals in the form of electrical signals.
  • Optical fiber is made using plastic and glass while the coaxial cable is prepared using plastic and copper wires.
  • Optical fiber is quite light in weight but a coaxial cable is very heavy as compared to an optical fiber.
  • Optical fiber is costly and its installation is quite expensive whereas the coaxial cable is very cheap and its installation is less expensive.
  • Optical finer bandwidth is less than coaxial cable, but the coaxial cable provides high bandwidth.
  • The installation of optical fiber is complex, the installation of coaxial cable is comparatively easy.
  • Optical fiber is highly efficient and signal loss is negligible while the coaxial cable is less efficient.
  • Optical fiber is having a smaller diameter compared to an optical fiber.
  • The data transmission rate of optical fiber is 2 Gbps while the coaxial cable data transmission rate is 44.736 Mbps.
  • In optical fiber signal transmitted to the large distance while the coaxial cable signal transmitted to restricted to comparatively smaller distance.
  • Noise immunity of optical fiber is while the coaxial cable noise immunity is intermediate.
  • Attenuation is very low in optical fiber while in social cable attenuation is high.
  • Optical fiber offered secure communication while the coaxial cable security of the transmitted signal is not guaranteed.
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Difference Between Voltage and Current

The current ane voltage is one of the most commonly asked questions from electricity and electronics engineering. The difference between voltage and current helps the student to understand the basics better and know their comparisons thoroughly. 

Definition of voltage

Voltage is also called the electromotive force,  It is a potential difference in charge between two points in an electric field. In other words energy per unit charge. This is represented of symbol V and the SI unit of V.

Definition of current

While the current is the rate at which electric charge flows past a point in a circuit. In other words, the current is the rate flow of electric charge. The current is represented by a symbol I and the SI unit of I.

The main key difference  between voltage and current are listed below: 

  • The voltage is represented by the symbol of V while the current is represented by the symbol of I.
  • The voltage is defined as the magnetic field around it whereas the current generates the electrostatic field around it.
  • The voltage is denied as the ratio of the work done to the charge, whereas the current is the ratio of the charge to the time.
  • The voltage is the difference between the point in an electric field whereas the current is caused by the flow of the electron in the electric field.
  • The voltage is measured by an instrument called a voltmeter whereas the current is measured by the ammeter.
  • The one volt is equal to the 1 joule/coulomb whereas the one ampere is equal to the one column/second.
  • The polarity of the alternating voltage remains changes and due to this alternating voltage the alternating current induces, but the polarity of the direct voltage remains constant and their effect induces a direct current.
  • In a series circuit, the magnitude of voltage remains different in all the components of the circuit whereas the magnitude of current remains the same.
  • In the parallel circuit, the voltage at all the branches of the circuit remains the same whereas the current is unequally distributed in the circuit component.
  • The voltage drop mainly occurs due to the impedance of the circuit whereas the current drop occurs due to the passive element of the circuit.
  • The voltage is the difference of the electrical charges between the two-point of an electric field whereas the current is the flow of electrical charges between the point of an electrical field.
  • Voltage is the cause of the current, a current is the effect of the voltage; current cannot flow without voltage.
  • Loss of voltage occurs due to impedance while the loss of current due to the passive element.

Difference between dynamo and generator

Dynamo is a device that makes direct current electric power using by electromagnetism. It is also known as a generator, But there are different. However, the term generator normally these terms are used to describe an alternator which creates AC power using electromagnetism. Here this article give the information about difference between dynamo and generator to better understand this topic.

Difference between dynamo and generator are given below:

  • Dynamo is said to be a precursor of a modern-day electric generator.
  • Dynamos produced direct current while the generator produces an electric current.
  • Dynamos made use of commutators to convert alternating current into the direct current(AC to DC) as they were meant to produce power as a replacement of batteries.
  • Dynamos are still used in applications where low power DC current is required.
  • Generators are used all over the worldwide today with dynamos being a device of the past.
  • The generator makes use of solid-state electronic AC to DC conversion instead of commutators.

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Difference Between Gravitation and Gravity

As we know, Gravitation and Gravity are the two most common key terms in the field of Physic science. Most of the times these terms confuse the newbie or those who just started learning the electronics sciences. Here this article give the difference between gravitation and gravity are listed below.

Definition of Gravitation:

A natural phenomenon occurring between two distant objects placed in-universe that causes them to move is known as gravitation. We know that everybody is this universe moves only under the influence of some force. So the force acting between two bodies in the universe is known as the gravitational force.

Definition of Gravity:

Gravity is a natural phenomenon that acts between the earth and the object placed in the universe. The force of gravity is generally defined as the force acting between earth and an object present near it.

The main key difference between gravitation and gravity are listed below:

  • The key factor of differentiation between gravitation and gravity is that gravitational force occurs between two objects. While the force of gravity occurs between the earth and an object.
  • The force of gravitation acting between two objects is quite weaker in comparison to the force gravity.
  • Gravitational force can be either attractive or repulsive in nature depending upon the direction of movement. However, the force of gravity is only attractive in nature, as the object is very small in mass in comparison to the mass of earth. Thus the object gets attracted to the earth.
  • The gravitational force is a universal force whereas the force of gravity is a derived force.
  • Gravitational force is experienced generally by bodies with small dimensions. As against the force of gravity necessarily involves earth viz.a very heavy body.
  • Gravitation is a week force while gravity is a strong force.
  • Graviton force is a vector quantity while gravity is the vector field.
  • The gravitational force acting between two objects require the masses of both the bodies between which the acting force is to be determined. While in case of determining the force of gravity, the mass of only the object is needed.
  • Gravitation is defined as F = G *  m₁ m ₂ / x₂ while gravity is define as the F = mg.
  • G is the universal constant G = 6.67 * 10 ⁻¹¹ Nm²/ Kg², g  is not universally constant, g = 9.8 m/s². 
  • The direction of the gravitational force lies in the radial direction from the mass, While the direction of the force of gravity is along the line joining the earth center and the center of the body. Gravity is the direction of force along the line joining the earth's center and the center of the body. It is direction is towards the center of the earth. 
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Difference Between Static and Current Electricity

Most of us just enjoy the benefits of electricity but don't really understand the exact meaning and science behind it, and the phenomena associated with it. For now, let us understand the static electricity and current electricity. Technically the electricity is actually a phenomenon in itself, which involves the displacement or movement of electrons. In a short way status, electricity means electricity is at rest. While the current electricity is a phenomenon of moving electrons in a particular path, direction such as steam of them flowing through conducting materials.  The most common source of current electricity comes from batteries.


Definition of static electricity:

The word static means not in moving condition. It refers to the electricity where the charge build-up on the surface of materials or substance. And they stay static until they are discharged. The static electricity generates by rubbing the two static objects. It is usually uncontrolled and happens sporadically.

Definition of current electricity:

The current electricity which is produced because of the movement of electrons is known as the current electricity. It develops only on the material which has free electrons. The current electricity use for performing mechanical works like for moving the fan, running the machine, etc. 

The main key difference between static and current electricity are listed below:

  • The electricity in which charges remain static is known as the static type of electricity. While the current electricity is developed because of the flow of charges and by measure analog or digital meter.
  • The static electricity develops on the surface of both insulator and conductor whereas the current electricity induces only in the conductor.
  • The magnetic field develops because of the current electricity. And also it doesn't associate in the static electricity.
  • The gold leaf electroscope measures the magnitude of static electricity whereas the current electricity measures by the digital and analog meter.
  • The static electricity exits for a short time whereas the current electricity for long periods.
  • The measuring device of static electricity is a gold leaf electroscope, while the current electricity the measuring device is analog or digital meter.
  • The static electricity develops because of the movement of negative charges from one object to another object. The current electricity is because of the movement of electrons in the atoms of the conductors.
  • A static electric city is usually uncontrolled and just happens sporadically. Current electricity is normally controlled. It is the more used phenomenon of all over the electricity, in countless applications.
  • Static electricity used in lightning strokes, it develops by rubbing the balloons on hair, etc while the current electricity is used for running industrial; and home applications like fan, light, TV, etc.

Difference Between Valence Band and Conduction Band

The valence band and conduction band both are two different energy levels separated by a certain amount of energy. The main key difference between valance band and conduction band is that the valance band specifies the energy level of electrons present in the valence bandshell of an atomic structure while the conduction band holds those electrons that are responsible for conduction.


Definition of the valence band:

It is basically defined as the energy band that comprises of valence electrons present in the outermost shell of an atomic structure. These valence electrons, when provided with sufficient energy, get changed into free electrons and move to conduction band thereby causing conductivity.


Definition of condition band:

The conduction band is the band of electrons orbital that electrons can bounce up into from the valance band when energized. At the point when the electrons are in these orbital, they have enough energy to move freely in the material. This movement of electrons makes an electric current flow. The valance band is the furthest electron orbital of a particle of a particular material that electron involves.

The main key difference between the valence band and conduction band are listed below:


  • The valence band is present below the fermi energy level. While the conduction band is present or their in above the Fermi level in the energy band diagram.
  • The density of electrons is comparatively higher in valance than in the conduction band.
  • When external excitation is provided then electrons present in the valence band moves out of it. However, because of external energy, the electrons move into the conduction band.
  • The valance band is a lower energy state whereas the conduction band is comparatively at a higher energy level.
  • Valance band the energy band formed by a series of energy levels containing valence electrons while the conduction band is higher energy level band.
  • The valance band always filled with electrons while the conduction band partially filled by the electrons.
  • The highest energy level which can be occupied by an electron in the valence band at 0K is called the Fermi level, while in conduction band current flow due to such electrons.
  • The electrons in the valence band experience strong force by the nucleus. As against the nucleus exhibits very weak or almost negligible force on the electrons at the conduction band.
  • While using the valence band, no flow of current due to electron present but the conduction band free electron is able to move anywhere the volume of the solid.
  • At room temperature, the valence band is usually either partially or completely filled, whereas the conduction band is generally empty or partially filled at room temperature.
Explore more information:
  1. Difference between n type and p-type semiconductor
  2. Difference between conduction and induction
  3. Difference between conductor and semiconductor
  4. Difference between an extrinsic and intrinsic semiconductor
  5. Difference between PN junction diode and Schottky diode
  6. Difference between static and current electricity

Limitation of MCB

Some limitations of MCB are listed below:

  • The cost of MCB is greater than a fuse.
  • The risk of overloading of the circuit due to an unqualified person operating than is completely removed.
  • The cost of the MCB distribution board is greater than the rewireable fuse board is used.

Difference between absorption and adsorption | Absorption vs Adsorption

The major key difference between adsorption and absorption is that one is a surface process and the other a bulk process. Absorption is one substance that enters the bulk or some volume of the another substance e.g. gas absorbed by a liquid. While the adsorption takes place on the surface of a substrate. Here this article gives information about the difference between absorption and adsorption are listed below.

Definition of absorption:

Adsorption is a surface, the accumulation of a gas or liquid or a solid. Absorption can be refined further based on the strength of the interaction between the adsorbent and the adsorbed molecules. 


Definition of adsorption:

Adsorption is a surface process, the accumulation of a gas or liquid or solid. Adsorption can be refined further based on the strength of the interaction between the adsorbent and the adsorbed molecules.

The main key difference between absorption and adsorption are listed below:


  • Absorption is a bulk phenomenon, adsorption is a surface phenomenon.
  • Absorption is mostly an endothermic process while adsorption is a mostly exothermic process.
  • Absorption is not affected by temperature, while the adsorption is favored by low temperatures.
  • Absorption is an assimilation of using a molecular species throughout the bulk of the solid or some liquid is termed as absorption, while the Accumulation of the molecular species at the surface rather than in the bulk of the solid or liquid is termed as adsorption.
  • Absorption occurs at a uniform rate, Adsorption is steady increases and reaches equilibrium.
  • Absorption is the same throughout the material while adsorption is the concentration on the surface of adsorbent is different from that in the bulk.
  • Absorption is material get absorbed into other material throughout the availability of space and also due to the properties of each material while the adsorption is the adsorbates bind onto the surface of the adsorbent most commonly through van der walls interaction or through covalent bonds.
  • During the process of absorption, the concentration of absorbed substances does not show any significant change. It remains to show significant change. IT remains constant throughout the medium while during the process of adsorption the concentration of the adsorbed substance changes from bulk to the bottom of the adsorbent.
  • Absorption can be categorized into two types; physical and chemical absorption while the adsorption can be categorized into two types; Chemisorption and physisorption.
  • The concept of absorption is applied for in cold storage, ice production, turbine inlet cooling, and refrigerant absorption, chiller for space cooling applications. It is also used in the hydrogenation of oils and carbonation of beverages. The concept of adsorption is applied in air conditioning, chiller, water purification, chillers, synthetic resin and in the development of non-stick coating and in various biomedical devices.
  • The rate of absorption maintains a steady-state throughout the process. The stated state marinated despite increases or decreases in the temperature while the rate of adsorption is usually high in the initial stages of the process, after a few minutes, it begins to decreases until equilibrium is reached. Increases in temperature increase the rate of adsorption decreases.
  • Absorption is comparatively slow than adsorption and the equilibrium take place slowly. While Adsorption is a rapid process. The equilibrium takes place quickly. 


Adsorption Examples:

  1. Nickel, platinum, and palladium is these adsorbent are widely used an as a catalyst in many organic processes such as hydrogenation of oils.
  2. Activated charcoal is used as an adsorbent with a wide range of applications. For example, it is used in the purification of gases and water or as an air filter in gas masks.

Absorption Examples:

  1. Absorption of water by a sponge.
  2. Absorption of oxygen from air by water.
  3. Absorption of ammonia by water.
  4. Removal of hydrogen sulfide biogas. In this process, hydrogen sulfide is first absorbed into water and after that treated with iron oxide.

Difference Between Conduction and Induction

The major difference between conduction and induction is that conduction allows the charging of a natural body with a charged body by forming a direct contact with it. But induction is the process of charging a neutral body by a charged body without making any direct contact with them. Here this article gives the difference between conduction and induction are listed below:


Definition of Conduction:

Conduction is the process by which heat energy is transmitted through collisions between their neighboring molecules. 

Definition of Induction:

Induction is the process where electrical power is transferred from one object to another without the contact object or touching.

The main key difference between conduction and induction are listed below:


  • Conduction is the process of transferring charges from a charged body to a neutral body. while the induction is the process of inducing the charge on a natural body by the use of a charged body.
  • In the case of conduction, the current flowing through both bodies have the same direction while in case of equal current flows through both the bodies but in a different direction.
  • In conduction result flow of current due to electric field while the induction results in an inflow of current due to change in a magnetic field.
  • Charging a body by the condition is done by touching a charged body whereas the induction touching is needed to charge a body by induction.
  • A potential difference must exist between two bodies for conduction to take place thus required a gradient path. As no direct contact is maintained at the time of induction thus the gradient path may or may not be needed.
  • Some charge is lost in changing conduction whereas there is no loss in any charge in charging by induction.
  • Conduction needs direct physical contact between the two bodies. However, no physical contact us needed in case of induction but the two bodies must be placed close to each other.
  • As the charge gets transferred in case pf conduction thus there is a reduction in the amount of overall charge present in a charged body remains the same even after inducing, charges of opposite polarity in the other body.
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Characteristic of fuse

As we know that a fuse is to carry the normal current without overheating but when the current exceeds its normal value, it rapidly heats up to a melting point and disconnects the circuits protected by it. In order that it may perform this function satisfactorily. The fuse element should have the following characteristic.

Characteristics of fuse element:

  • It is a low melting point.
  • High conductivity for silver and copper.
  • Free from deterioration due to oxidation.
  • Low cost for lead, tin, and copper.
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Characteristics of RCCB

The characteristics of RCCB mainly include the following:

  • Phase and neutral both are connected through RCCB.
  • Whenever there is any ground fault occurs, then it trips the circuit.
  • The amount of current supplied through the line should go back through natural.
  • If a home has an earth system connected to an earth rod and not the main incoming cable then it must have all circuits protected by an RCCB mite not be able to get enough fault current to trip an MCB device.
  • RCCB is a very good and effective type of shock protection.
  • It detects by RCCB any mismatch two currents flowing through both phase and neutral detect by RCCB and trip the circuit within 30 milliseconds. 
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