Which of the following statements is true regarding capacitors?

The correct statement about capacitors is that they can be polarized or non-polarized. This distinction is important as it impacts how a capacitor is used in circuits.

Polarized capacitors, such as electrolytic capacitors, have a positive and negative terminal and must be connected with the correct polarity in a circuit. If they are connected in reverse, they can become damaged or even fail catastrophically. Non-polarized capacitors, on the other hand, can be connected in either direction and are commonly used in applications where the current direction may change, such as in AC circuits.

This differentiation plays a significant role in circuit design, ensuring that components function effectively and safely. Understanding the characteristics of both types of capacitors helps in selecting the appropriate type for specific applications in electronic circuits.