Electrolytic Decoupling Capacitors - 10uF/25V

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

capacitance

Capacitance is the amount of electrical charge a capacitor can store, usually measured in farads such as uF. Choosing the right capacitance value matters because it affects how well a circuit filters power, handles timing, or stores short bursts of energy.

electrolytic capacitor

An electrolytic capacitor is a type of capacitor that can store relatively large amounts of electrical charge in a small package. It is commonly used for smoothing power supplies, reducing noise, and short-term energy storage, but it usually has polarity so it must be installed the correct way around.

microcontroller

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip that runs a stored program and controls connected inputs and outputs such as buttons, sensors, displays and communication interfaces. In a device built around one, it is the part that executes the code and coordinates the device's behaviour.

PCB

A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board, usually rigid, with etched copper tracks that connect electronic components together without loose wiring. Components are mounted on the board and signals route between them through the copper layout.

through-hole

A mounting style where the component leads pass through holes in a circuit board and are soldered on the other side. Through-hole parts are often easier to handle and solder by hand, which is useful for classroom and hobby projects.