- #1
jaydnul
- 558
- 15
Is there a difference between these two things or is an electrolytic cell just a larger version of an electrolytic capacitor?
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SUMMARY
The discussion clarifies that an electrolytic capacitor and an electrolytic cell are distinct entities, with the former being a compact package that includes a dielectric layer (aluminium oxide) and an electrolyte, while the latter serves various purposes, such as in car batteries. An electrolytic capacitor cannot be replaced by an electrolytic cell due to the specific design requirements for capacitance, which necessitate closely spaced plates without contact. The dielectric in electrolytic capacitors is crucial for their function, and any failure in this insulating layer can lead to catastrophic failure.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of basic electrical components, specifically capacitors and cells.
- Knowledge of dielectric materials and their role in capacitors.
- Familiarity with the concept of electrolytes and their conductive properties.
- Awareness of the implications of incorrect connections in electrical circuits.
- Research the construction and function of electrolytic capacitors, focusing on aluminium oxide layers.
- Explore the various applications of electrolytic cells beyond energy storage, such as in electrolysis.
- Study the effects of incorrect DC polarity on electrolytic capacitors and the resulting failures.
- Learn about the differences between electrolytic and non-electrolytic capacitors, including plastic dielectric types.
Electronics enthusiasts, electrical engineers, and students studying circuit design who seek to understand the differences between capacitors and cells, as well as their specific applications and limitations.
- #2
NascentOxygen
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To form an electrolytic capacitor, they manufacture a compact package that's an electrolytic cell (a pair of electrodes with electrolyte) and apply DC! Simple. 
Most electrolytic cells serve some other purpose and don't end up as capacitors. Your car battery, for example.
Most electrolytic cells serve some other purpose and don't end up as capacitors. Your car battery, for example.
- #3
jaydnul
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So you really couldn't replace a capacitor with an electrolytic cell, right? It seems to me the only difference is that one has a dielectric in between two plates and the other has an electrolyte, which conducts electricity.
- #4
NascentOxygen
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They are called different names, and there is no possibility of accidently substituting one for the other. A capacitor requires that the plates be really, really, really close together, but still not touching, to produce much capacitance.lundyjb said:
It needs to be made clear that it is only the electrolytic capacitor that is a cell; plastic dielectric capacitors are not electrolytic cells.
The dielectric in an electrolytic capacitor actually comprises an aluminium oxide layer plus the electrolyte. The electrolyte does "conduct electricity" and you'll find this out if you accidently connect the device in a circuit so that the DC polarity dissolves the oxide layer instead of maintaining it. As soon as there is any cool person in the insulating layer, BANG!
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