An capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores electric charge. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called dielectric. Various types of insulating materials are used for constructing the dielectric in the component based on the usage.

An electrolytic capacitor is a type of capacitor that uses an electrolyte as one of its conducting plates to achieve a larger capacitance or high charge storage.

Most commonly available electrolytic capacitors are polarized type and have to be connected with proper polarity or right direction. Electrolytic capacitors are also available as bi-polar or non-polar types.

Electrolytic capacitors usually come in high capacitance value compared to other types of capacitors.