Description:
Capacitors are components that store and release electrical energy in a circuit. They are often used for filtering and smoothing voltage levels.
These Polarized Capacitors are a type of capacitor that must be connected with the correct polarity, i.e., positive and negative terminals must be connected correctly, and they are used to store and release electrical energy.
This Polarized Capacitor temporarily stores electrical energy. Electrolytic “caps” are usually used for large capacitance values.
How it works:
Capacitors store energy by accumulating electric charge on their plates when a voltage is applied. They release this stored energy when the circuit conditions change.
(In other words!) A capacitor stores electrical energy by collecting charged particles on two conductive plates separated by a nonconductive material, in this case ceramic.
Connect it:
Capacitors are connected in parallel to increase capacitance and in series to decrease capacitance.
A capacitor has two wire leads, and can be connected in parallel or series with the device it's meant to support, depending on the application. An electrolytic capacitor is polarized, which means it has a positive and negative side that must be connected correctly for it to work.
How it is used:
Capacitors are used in circuits for smoothing, filtering, and timing applications.
Select the device to edit its name and capacitance.
Get Started:
Drag the starter circuit below into your design for a working example of how to use this part.
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More About Polarized Capacitor:
To use a polarized capacitor in Tinkercad Circuits, you can select "Polarized Capacitor" from the components panel and drag it to your workspace, then customize its Capacitance and Voltage values in the properties panel to simulate your circuit.
Like real polarized capacitors, this component has distinct positive and negative terminals. In Tinkercad simulations, the positive terminal connects to the higher potential (positive voltage) side of the circuit, and the negative terminal connects to the lower potential side to ensure correct functionality.
A polarized capacitor is a type of capacitor that must be connected with the correct polarity (positive to positive, negative to negative) to function properly and avoid damage or failure. The most common types of polarized capacitors are electrolytic capacitors (both aluminum and tantalum) and supercapacitors. These are typically used in DC circuits for functions like power supply filtering, decoupling, and energy storage. Polarized capacitors are characterized by their capacitance, measured in farads (F)—usually in microfarads (µF) or millifarads (mF)—and their voltage rating (in volts, V), which indicates the maximum voltage the capacitor can safely handle. Typical voltage ratings range from 6.3V to 100V or higher, depending on the application. Polarity markings are clearly indicated on the capacitor body, with the negative terminal often marked by a stripe. The tolerance of these capacitors is usually around ±20%, and their temperature range commonly spans from -40°C to +105°C or more.
Recommended Websites for Learning About Polarized Capacitor:
1. Website Title: Electronics‑Tutorials.com – Polarization of Electrolytic Capacitors
Website Page URL: https://www.electronics-tutorials.com/basics/polarization-capacitor.htm
URL recommended for (Reason): Offers a clear and well-illustrated explanation of why electrolytic capacitors (polarized types) must be correctly oriented, including how they’re constructed (with a metal oxide dielectric and electrolyte) and what happens when polarity is reversed.
2. Website Title: Starting Electronics – Beginners: Capacitors (including Polarized Capacitors)
Website Page URL: https://startingelectronics.org/beginners/components/capacitor/
URL recommended for (Reason): A beginner-friendly guide that explains the different capacitor symbols, highlights polarized vs non-polarized types, typical capacitance values in µF, as well as voltage ratings—making it especially accessible to newcomers.
3. Website Title: SparkFun Learn – Capacitors Tutorial (Section on Electrolytic Caps)
Website Page URL: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/capacitors/all
URL recommended for (Reason): A hands-on tutorial covering all capacitor types, with a dedicated section explaining that electrolytic (polarized) capacitors must be connected correctly, how to identify polarity markings, and what can go wrong if reversed.
4. Website Title: PracticalEE.com – Capacitors Overview (Electrolytic, Tantalum, Polymer Caps)
Website Page URL: https://practicalee.com/capacitors/
URL recommended for (Reason): Provides clear, practical comparisons of different polarized capacitor types—including aluminum electrolytic, tantalum, and aluminum polymer capacitors—with real-world specs like ESR, lifespan, failure modes, and reliability considerations.
5. Website Title: SparkFun Learn – Polarity (General Polarity Guide including Capacitors)
Website Page URL: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/polarity/all/
URL recommended for (Reason): Though broader in scope, this tutorial includes capacitor examples to teach polarity conventions—emphasizing how electrolytic capacitors display markings, what they mean, and the risks of reverse connection.
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TinkerCAD Circuits Platform related Interesting Links:
TinkerCAD Circuits Reference Handbook eBook: About Page
Quickly Master Electronics with the TinkerCAD Circuits Reference Handbook
…till next post, bye-bye & take care.
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