Question 6A318

Electrolytic capacitors are polarized components, meaning they have a distinct positive (anode) and negative (cathode) terminal. This polarity is critical because the dielectric layer is formed electrochemically and can only safely withstand voltage applied in one specific direction. Applying voltage in reverse polarity, even briefly, can damage the dielectric, leading to excessive leakage current, overheating, and potential catastrophic failure, such as rupturing or exploding. Therefore, regardless of how they are connected (series, parallel, or individually), the marked polarity on each electrolytic capacitor must *always* be observed to ensure proper operation and prevent damage. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because electrolytic capacitors inherently have polarity (B), and simply connecting anode to anode (C) or cathode to cathode (D) does not describe a standard, safe series connection and would still require proper polarity observation for each component.