How does a condenser differ from a capacitor?

A condenser is another name historically used for what we now commonly refer to as a capacitor. Over time, the terminology has evolved, with "capacitor" becoming the standard term in modern electrical engineering and electronics. Both terms describe the same device that stores electrical energy in an electric field, created by a difference in electric charge between two conductive plates separated by an insulating material (dielectric).

As technology has progressed, the term "capacitor" has largely replaced "condenser" in most contexts. This shift helps to reduce confusion, especially in technical and educational materials where precision in language is critical. Understanding the evolution of these terms is important for grasping the broader context of electrical components and their applications today.