Exploding Capacitor: Calculating Voltage for a 100uF 10V Capacitor

[Momosaida]

How many volts would i need to make a 100uF 10V capacitor explode if i plugged it in backwards?

 

[Corneo]

Theoretically the moment you reverse bias the polarized cap, the cap will explode. You can try it out, wear goggles.

 

[Mike Cookson]

If it is electrolytic, which you didn't say, then practically any voltage will cause it to explode. As Corneo says it easy to try...and it's also a good way to make lecturers/teachers/lab technicians/fellow students rather cross with you - both for wasting caps and making them jump every few minutes :P

 

[Momosaida]

Yes the capacitor is electrolytic. But when I connected a 9V battery to it backwards, it didn't explode. Why?

 

[Mike Cookson]

Are you sure it was backwards?...I know it's obvious but some people, even degree level students, get that wrong. 9V should be plenty to do the job, unless it's a huuge capacitor it might be a bit harder. I can't say I have every studied the ins and outs of reversing caps! :)

 

[berkeman]

I'm uncomfortable with this thread. Momosaida -- there are better things for you to be doing with your time instead of trying to blow up capacitors.

Thread locked.