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-   -   Capacitor polarity (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=198018)

  • Mar 24, 2008, 10:01 AM
    kesavan
    Capacitor polarity
    In electrolytic capacitor, why polarity is important?
  • Mar 24, 2008, 10:17 AM
    Credendovidis
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kesavan
    In electrolytic capacitor, why polarity is important?

    Because the increase in capacity (they normally have big values) is obtained by using materials that are sensitive to voltage polarisation.
    If you connect the wrong way, the capacitor will leak, heat up, and even can explode.
    ;)
  • Mar 24, 2008, 10:28 AM
    kesavan
    I thing one plate is Aluminum & other is Aluminum oxide,
    So what happen in capacitor when we change polarity?
  • Mar 24, 2008, 10:34 AM
    Capuchin
    If an electrolytic capacitor is reverse-biased, then the aluminium oxide layer that acts as the dielectric will reduce and be destroyed. Once this layer is destroyed, the 2 plates will be in contact and the device will short circuit, heating the device up causing leakage or explosion.
  • Mar 27, 2008, 10:20 AM
    kesavan
    How that destroyed?
    Please tell more details
  • Mar 27, 2008, 11:00 AM
    Capuchin
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kesavan
    how that destroyed?
    please tell more details

    By reduction, the oxygen is stripped from the aluminium, like electrolysis.

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