For an electrolytic capacitor, the negative lead connects to which potential?

For an electrolytic capacitor, the negative lead connects to which potential?

• A. Lower voltage
• B. Higher voltage
• C. Ground
• D. Floating

Answer: (A)

Electrolytic capacitors are polarized devices, so the negative lead must be at the lower electrical potential relative to the positive lead. This orientation ensures the dielectric forms under the correct bias and the capacitor operates safely. If the negative lead were connected to a higher potential than the positive lead, the capacitor would be reverse-biased, which can break down the dielectric, cause excessive current, heat, gas formation, and potentially venting or failure. In many DC circuits the lower-potential node is ground, but the essential point is that the negative lead goes to the lower voltage, not necessarily to ground.

Electrolytic capacitors are polarized devices, so the negative lead must be at the lower electrical potential relative to the positive lead. This orientation ensures the dielectric forms under the correct bias and the capacitor operates safely. If the negative lead were connected to a higher potential than the positive lead, the capacitor would be reverse-biased, which can break down the dielectric, cause excessive current, heat, gas formation, and potentially venting or failure. In many DC circuits the lower-potential node is ground, but the essential point is that the negative lead goes to the lower voltage, not necessarily to ground.