- #1
jaydnul
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- 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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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the differences and similarities between electrolytic capacitors and electrolytic cells, exploring their structures, functions, and potential interchangeability. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical explanation.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose that an electrolytic capacitor is essentially a compact version of an electrolytic cell, consisting of a pair of electrodes with an electrolyte.
- Others argue that most electrolytic cells serve different purposes and cannot be directly replaced by capacitors, citing examples like car batteries.
- A participant notes that the fundamental difference lies in the requirement for capacitors to have closely spaced plates without touching, while electrolytic cells do not share this requirement.
- It is mentioned that the dielectric in an electrolytic capacitor consists of an aluminum oxide layer plus the electrolyte, which conducts electricity under certain conditions.
- Concerns are raised about the potential dangers of connecting an electrolytic capacitor incorrectly, which could lead to failure due to the breakdown of the insulating layer.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on whether an electrolytic capacitor can be considered a type of electrolytic cell, with some asserting that they are fundamentally different devices. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent to which they can be compared or substituted for one another.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight the importance of definitions and specific conditions under which each device operates, but these aspects remain unresolved in the discussion.
- #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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- 15
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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