An electrolytic capacitor definition is, it is a polarized capacitor whose anode has a higher or more positive voltage than the cathode. As the name suggests, it is a polarized capacitor. An electrolytic capacitor function uses an electrolyte to operate with a higher or more positive voltage on the anode than the cathode. Therefore, the anode terminal is denoted with a positive sign, while the cathode with a negative sign.

An electrolytic capacitor uses an electrolyte in the form of solid, liquid or gel – serves as a cathode or negative plate to achieve much higher capacitance per unit volume. On the other hand, a positive plate or anode made of metal acts as an insulating oxide layer formed through anodization. Allowing an oxide layer to work as the dielectric of the capacitor.

• Store energy
• Power factor correction
• Wave smoothing
• Voltage step-up circuits