A chute and a hopper are both components used in material handling systems, but they serve different purposes. A chute is typically an inclined or vertical passage through which materials move by gravity or with the assistance of conveyor belts. Its main function is to direct the flow of materials from one point to another, often from a higher to a lower elevation. On the other hand, a hopper is a container used to hold and release materials in a controlled manner. It usually has a wider opening at the top and a narrower opening at the bottom, allowing for the gradual discharge of materials. Hoppers are often used for storage and controlled feeding of materials into a process or onto a conveyor belt.