A capacitor is an electrical component that stores energy electrostatically in an electric field. When a capacitor is working properly, it allows current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the other. However, if a capacitor fails, it can cause a variety of problems in an electrical circuit. Therefore, it is important to be able to check capacitors to ensure they are working properly.
There are two main types of capacitors: electrolytic and non-electrolytic. Electrolytic capacitors use a liquid electrolyte to store energy, while non-electrolytic capacitors use a solid dielectric material. Both types of capacitors can fail, but electrolytic capacitors are more likely to fail than non-electrolytic capacitors.