Capacitor Electrolytic

Capacitors are components that are used to store an electrical charge and are used in timer circuits. In this project, the capacitor may be used to produce a timer and filter. Sometimes capacitors are used to smooth a current in a circuit as they can prevent false triggering of other components such as relays. When power is supplied to a circuit that includes a capacitor – the capacitor charge up. When power is turned off the capacitor discharges its electrical charge slowly.

A capacitor is a little like a battery. Although they work in completely different ways, capacitors and batteries both store electrical energy. A battery has two terminals. Inside the battery, chemical reactions produce electrons on one terminal and absorb electrons on the other terminal. A capacitor is much simpler than a battery, as it can't produce new electrons - it only stores them. Inside the capacitor, the terminals connect to two metal plates separated by a non-conducting substance, or dielectric. We can easily make a capacitor from two pieces of aluminum foil and a piece of paper. The dielectric can be any non-conductive substance. However, for practical applications, specific materials are used that best suit the capacitor's function. Mica, ceramic, cellulose, porcelain, Mylar, Teflon and even air are some of the non-conductive materials used. The dielectric dictates what kind of capacitor it is and for what it is best suited. Depending on the size and type of dielectric, some capacitors are better for high frequency uses, while some are better for high voltage applications. Capacitors can be manufactured to serve any purpose, from the smallest plastic capacitor in your calculator, to an ultra capacitor that can power a commuter bus. NASA uses glass capacitors to help wake up the space shuttle's circuitry and help deploy space probes. Here are some of the various types of capacitors and how they are used.

•Air - Often used in radio tuning circuits

•Mylar - Most commonly used for timer circuits like clocks, alarms and counters

•Glass- Good for high voltage applications

•Ceramic - Used for high frequency purposes like antennas, X-ray and MRI

Machines

•Super capacitor – Powers electric and hybrid cars6