CAPACITORS

There are many different types of capacitors. One type is the electrolytic. This is the kind shown on the above right. They have a positive and negative that must be used when soldering. Another kind are the ceramic disc capacitors. They are shown below. These are generaly used for very small capacitances, and have no polarity like the previous. Other types of capacitors are not generaly used often like the dipped tantalum, mylar, and the dipped silver mica capacitors. These are used for precise electronic circuits. Capacitance is measured in Farads (F). They work by storing a charge between two plates. When a voltage is applied positive charges collect on one plate and negative charges collect on the other. When the two plates are connected the charges move to balence both plates, causing a current to flow. WARNING!!! Some capacitors can store enough charge to kill. The most common places to find these are in television sets. Unless you know what you are doing, never poke around inside a TV.

Ceramic Disc Capacitors

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