What is the difference b/a converter, a transformer, and an adapter?

Question

and which 1 would i use if i was going to be staying in italy?

Answer 1

Adapter is just a generic name for all of them.  Don't know what a b/a converter is.  A transformer will most likely not work in Italy since their power is 50Hz(50 cycles/second) unless it's made specifically to work in Europe.  And then it won't work in the US.

There are what're called switching converters.  These will usually work at 50 or 60Hz(US standard).

But you really don't need to know what type you're buying.  Just look at the label on the converter(adaptor) or the specifications and look for "50-60Hz" or something close to that like 50/60Hz.  If it just says 60Hz and no 50 mentioned then it won't work in Italy.

Oh, also it needs to have the Euro-type plug as well, which is different than the US style.