What is capacitor polarity? How do you determine the polarity of a capacitor?

　　Capacitor is an electronic element which is passive in nature. This electronic element is utilized for storing charge. The capacitors are of two types: Polarized and non-polarized. Capacitor polarity is defined as having either negative or positive charge on the capacitor. The capacitors with no signs or charge are known as non-polarized capacitors. This element consists of two leads or ends. One off the end is positive or anode and the other is cathode or negative.

　　What is capacitor polarity?

　　Capacitor polarity can be elaborated as having a negative or positive influence or charge on the terminals of the capacitor. Numerous methods are advised for finding the capacitor polarity. The capacitors polarity can be distinguished by looking at its terminal’s length. The one with longer lead is supposed to be anode or negative terminal of the capacitor while the one with shorter lead is positive and one with large length is negative. Non-polar capacitors have nothing relevant to the specific format when it is to be connected within a circuit.

　　Is capacitor always negative?

　　No, the capacitor is not always negative; however, when connecting the capacitor with a source of voltage, the charge or potential of the capacitor can be determined. Capacitor polarity is needed to be considered because if ignored then its layer of oxide becomes vulnerable to damage and avalanche current is drawn by capacitor making it out of work or even destroyed.

　　Are capacitors polarity sensitive?

　　A total of three layers are present in capacitor when its fabrication process is considered. The layer which is for insulation is known as dielectric. It is in the middle of the anode and cathode which are metallic sheets. The anode and cathode are always in parallel to each other. The insulator is supposed to be in the middle of the sheets of metal. The main purpose of dielectric is that it separates the electrodes.

　　The polarized capacitors are always polarity sensitive. The basic rules of the circuit theory must be obeyed in order to allow capacitors to work. For installation of a polar capacitor within a circuit, its polarity is surely to be considered. Capacitor polarity if ignored can cause damage to the circuit and to the capacitor as well.

　　How do you determine the polarity of a capacitor?

　　There are a number of ways through which the capacitor polarity can be determined. During the process of fabrication of capacitor, its polarity is to be taken care off. Some kinds of capacitors are having bars for its positive and negative terminals identification.

　　The one with longer lead is supposed to be anode or positive terminal of the capacitor while the one with shorter lead is a cathode or negative terminal. However, sometimes the terminals have equal length and it gets very difficult to identify the terminal. Working out on the polarity of capacitor is of great importance as it will destroy the capacitor or even entire circuit if connected in wrong manner when the capacitor is polar in nature.

　　Which capacitor must be connected with the correct polarity?

　　The polar capacitors must be connected in a proper way within the circuit in accordance to the polarity of the circuit. The polarized capacitors never gets damaged with the heat when soldering is in progress.

　　What are the examples of capacitor polarity?

　　The following are some major and famous types of capacitor polarity.

　　Electrolytic capacitors

　　Electrolytic capacitors are widely utilized kind of capacitors. Such are of polar kind and are manufactured in two styles i.e., axial and radial. Both terminals of radial capacitors are on same side. Both sides of axial capacitors are on opposite sides. The radial capacitors are cheaper in price and also small in size.

　　Tantalum capacitors

　　Capacitor polarity is mentioned on tantalum capacitors too. These capacitors are having lower voltage and current ratings. These are of small size. Such capacitors are very expensive. Tantalum capacitors are only used for high demand and sensitive applications.

　　Ceramic capacitors

　　These are often in round shape and its ratings and values are mentioned on it. The length of its leads or terminals is answer to its positive and negative terminal like electrolytic capacitors. The applications of ceramic capacitors comprise of RF devices.

　　Super capacitors

　　Ultra-capacitor is another name given to super capacitor and such capacitors may range up to certain thousand Farads. Such elements are used in applications like consumer electronics.

　　Film capacitors

　　Such capacitors are in square or rectangular shape. Film capacitors are cheap and economical. These elements are having less frequency response. These are small in size and are utilized in most of the electronic equipment.

　　How do you check capacitor polarity with a multi-meter?

　　For determining the capacitor polarity with the help of a multi-meter, the device is to be set at higher resistance measuring range up to 1 Mega Ohms. The multi-meter is then to be connected to the legs of capacitor for its terminal identification. The red lead of multi-meter is to be connected to positive terminal while black lead is to be attached to negative terminal. Monitoring the meter to start reading from zero and slowly moving to measure higher resistance until infinity is reached.

　　What happens if you reverse the polarity of a capacitor?

　　In case if the polarity of the capacitor is reversed then the capacitor may get damaged because of the flow of high amount of current through it. Another possibility is that it may create a short-circuit destroying entire circuit.