The Electrolytic Capacitor

A capacitor is a passive electrical component that can store electrical charge and thus electrical energy. The electrolytic capacitor is of a type which has a relatively high capacity as compared to other capacitors.

An electrolytic capacitor is composed of a metal layer and a conductive polymer (the electrolyte). In between lies a thin metal oxide layer that serves as an insulating layer which serves as a dielectric.

The electrolytic capacitor has, due to its design, some special properties...

A electrolytic capacitor has a higher capacity than ceramic capacitors.
Capacities are typically between 1 μF and 1000 μF.
Elektrolytic capacitors have a polarity (positive and negative electrodes).
Electrolytic capacitors can only be operated in DC circuits.

Capacity

The amount of energy a capacitor can hold is called capacity. The unit of capacity is Farad (symbol F). In circuit diagrams and formulas a capacitor is represented by a C.

In practice, capacitors have much lower capacity than 1 farad ...

1 millifarad = 1 mF = 0,001 F

1 mikrofarad = 1 μF = 0,000 001 F

1 nanofarad = 1 nF = 0,000 000 001 F

1 pikofarad = 1 pF = 0,000 000 000 001 F

Electrolytic 10muF