Which term refers to a capacitor type that uses an electrolyte as part of its construction?

Which term refers to a capacitor type that uses an electrolyte as part of its construction?

• A. Electrolytic Capacitors
• B. Inductors
• C. Dielectric
• D. Correct Operation of Capacitors

Answer: (A)

Electrolytic capacitors are defined by using an electrolyte as part of their construction. The electrolyte works with a very thin oxide layer on a metal foil to form the dielectric, which allows a large amount of capacitance to be packed into a small size. Because the dielectric is formed anodically and the electrolyte participates in the electrical path, these capacitors are typically polarized and must be connected with the correct polarity. This combination of electrolyte and oxide dielectric is what gives electrolytic capacitors their high capacitance values compared to other types. The other terms don’t describe a capacitor type: inductors store energy magnetically, not electrochemically; a dielectric is simply the insulating material inside many capacitors and does not imply the use of an electrolyte; and “Correct Operation of Capacitors” isn’t a capacitor type at all.

Electrolytic capacitors are defined by using an electrolyte as part of their construction. The electrolyte works with a very thin oxide layer on a metal foil to form the dielectric, which allows a large amount of capacitance to be packed into a small size. Because the dielectric is formed anodically and the electrolyte participates in the electrical path, these capacitors are typically polarized and must be connected with the correct polarity. This combination of electrolyte and oxide dielectric is what gives electrolytic capacitors their high capacitance values compared to other types. The other terms don’t describe a capacitor type: inductors store energy magnetically, not electrochemically; a dielectric is simply the insulating material inside many capacitors and does not imply the use of an electrolyte; and “Correct Operation of Capacitors” isn’t a capacitor type at all.