A cool way to learn what *not* to do

This morning I wanted to test something.

I recently heard a claim.

The claim was that you should not connect a tantalum capacitor the wrong way because it will burst into flames.

I thought to myself: “It can’t be that bad…”

And I decided to test.

So I set up a test circuit in the kitchen this morning, while my wife was still sleeping.

And I set up my camera to capture the moment.

The result?

…nothing.

I connected my tantalum capacitor with a 9V battery the wrong way, but nothing happened.

I did some research and found plenty of examples of these capacitors blowing up.

So maybe it’s just some types or specific values that blow up.

I don’t know.

But at least Scott from circuitbasics.com made it happen:

So it’s possible.

And the lesson is: Don’t connect the tantalum capacitor the wrong way.

If you need a last-minute gift (without any tantalum capacitors) for someone who’s an aspiring inventor, then check out the Christmas Bundle Gift Card:
https://ohmify.com/xmas-bundle/

Keep On Soldering!
Oyvind @ build-electronic-circuits.com