basic capacitor questions

[media at mail1.nai.net]

At 1:50 PM +0000 04/18/98, scott wrote:
>hey all--
>these are seriously basic questions. I searched for a faq
>on the subject but couldn't find one, so here goes:

Actually, this list created its own FAQ on capacitors!  I have several
revisions on my hard drive, but I'm not sure which is the latest one.  I
think someone put it up on the web, anyone have the URL??

There is also an audiophile cap FAQ at:

http://www.capacitors.com/pickcap/pickcap.htm

(damn, I got to organize my bookmarks)

Keep in mind that the best capacitor to use in a given situation is an
often a subjective opinion.

>1. Can I substitute non-polar caps for polar caps?

depends on the application

>2. Can I sub a 35volt cap for a 25 volt cap?

yes, you can substitute with higher voltage ratings but try got to go
overboard with large electrolytics -- subbing 450V cap for a 6.3V cap won't
work

>3. Shorting the ends of a cap will drain any leftover charge, right?

use a resistor