What does it mean when a capacitor is described as polarized?

When a capacitor is described as polarized, it indicates that it must be connected in a specific orientation to function correctly. This is particularly important for certain types of capacitors, such as electrolytic capacitors, which have a positive and negative terminal. Connecting these capacitors in the wrong orientation can lead to catastrophic failure, including overheating or even explosion.

Polarized capacitors are designed for applications where they need to handle direct current (DC) voltage, and the polarity must match the circuit's polarity. If the capacitor is connected backward, the dielectric material inside can break down, causing a short circuit and potential damage to the capacitor and the surrounding components. This characteristic differentiates polarized capacitors from non-polarized capacitors, which can be connected in any orientation without risking failure.