Why do computer chargers need those big adapters? Why can’t you just connect the devices to the power outlet with a cable?
In: 6802
(really ELI5)
The power coming from the outlet is like a fire hydrant. Ever seen a gushing fire hydrant? That’s a lot of power! But the computers or phones can’t take that amount of power, kind of like you couldn’t drink straight from a fire hydrant: you’d be thrown in the air!
So chargers are adapters, that can take just a little bit of power at a time in a way that the computers can actually use without frying from overload.
Also, the power from the wall is “AC” (Alternating Current). It’s wiggling back and forth, kinda like a bike chain where you’re just wiggling the pedals, not turning them completely. This is a useful way to transfer power because it’s easy to change it to higher voltages (like strength of chain pull), which is useful for long-distance power. But computers need DC (Direct Current), like pulling the chain constantly in one direction. DC is easier for electronics to work with, and batteries in phones or computers can only work with DC. The adapters do that necessary transformation.
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