What Is The Difference Between Vacuum And Vacuum Cleaner?

When we hear the word “vacuum,” we often think of household appliances that clean floors and carpets. But in reality, the term “vacuum” refers to a space with little or no matter. So, what is the difference between vacuum and vacuum cleaner?

Vacuum

A vacuum is a space that is empty of matter. In everyday language, we use the term “vacuum” to refer to a space from which air or gas has been removed, creating a negative pressure. This negative pressure can cause objects to be sucked into the space, as air pressure from the surrounding environment forces them in. A perfect vacuum, in which no particles exist, is impossible to achieve in practice, but scientists study near-vacuum environments in labs and in space to understand the behavior of matter under these conditions.

Vacuum Cleaner

In contrast, a vacuum cleaner is an appliance used to clean floors and carpets. Vacuum cleaners use suction to remove dirt and dust from surfaces. They work by creating a partial vacuum inside the machine, which pulls air in through a filter or bag. As the air passes through the filter or bag, dust and dirt particles are trapped and removed from the airflow. Clean air is then expelled back into the environment through an exhaust port.

Main Differences Between Vacuum and Vacuum Cleaner

Function: The primary function of a vacuum is to create a space with little or no matter, while the main function of a vacuum cleaner is to remove dirt and dust from surfaces.
Design: The design of a vacuum is aimed at creating an environment with low air pressure, while the design of a vacuum cleaner is focused on creating suction and filtration capabilities to remove dirt and dust.
Usage: Vacuums are used for scientific and industrial applications, while vacuum cleaners are used primarily in households and commercial cleaning settings.

Components: Vacuums are composed of different components like the vacuum chamber, vacuum pump, and vacuum gauge. Whereas, vacuum cleaners are composed of components like the motor, filter, bag, and nozzle.
Sources: Vacuums can be sourced from specialized manufacturers that cater to industrial and commercial market whereas vacuum cleaners are available at common household and appliance retail stores, supermarkets and online stores.

Similarities Between Vacuum and Vacuum Cleaner

Despite the significant differences between the two, there are some similarities between vacuum and vacuum cleaner. For instance,

Both the vacuum and the vacuum cleaner work on the principle of reducing the air pressure in a chamber or space.
Both use different tools and components to create the desired effect, such as gauges, specific filters, or motors.
They have broad applications that range from scientific to domestic purposes and are used to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

In Conclusion

Vacuum and vacuum cleaner are two terms that can be easily confused. While the vacuum is a space with little or no matter, the vacuum cleaner is a household appliance that uses suction to remove dirt and dust from surfaces. Although they have some similarities, they differ in function, use, design, component, and most importantly, their sources. Understanding the difference between these two terms is crucial in achieving a clean environment and in understanding scientific concepts that require the application of a vacuum.

More to explore: Can I Throw Away My Robot Vacuum Cleaner? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Difference Between Vacuum and Vacuum Cleaner

What is a vacuum?

A vacuum is a space devoid of matter, which means it has zero particles or particles with a very low density.

What is a vacuum cleaner?

A vacuum cleaner is a cleaning device used to suck up dirt and dust from floors, upholstery, and other surfaces. It functions by creating a partial vacuum that causes air to rush in, carrying dust and debris with it, which then collects in a bag or a dustbin.