Electrical devices convert electrical energy into other forms of energy, for example heat, light or sound. Electronic devices control the flow of electrons in order to perform a task.

Let us start with the word "electric," which comes from the noun electricity. "Electric" is an adjective; that is, a word used to describe a noun. Its simple meaning is "operated by electricity." Here are two examples. There is an electric fence around the cows in that field.

You use electric in front of nouns to talk about particular machines or devices that use electricity. The boat runs on an electric motor. My dentist recommends I get an electric toothbrush. You use electrical when you are talking in a more general way about machines, devices, or systems that use or produce electricity.