I am having trouble understanding the difference between Ceramic Capacitors and Electrolytic Capacitors. Can anyone let me know what the difference is? Can they be used interchangeably?
I read an article on it, but the article wasn't making any sense to me.
electrolytic:
polarised (bipolar versions exist for special uses)
high capacity (over 1µF to many mF - "supercap" variants to many Farads)
capacitance not stable except "blob" tantalum, lifetime limited in most aluminium types, especially at elevated temperature or if not used!
Significant inductance except "blob" tantalum, so not suitable for high frequencies.
polyester:
non polarised
mid-low capacity
relatively large
very stable and accurate capacitance, which is not relevant for bypass use but important for frequency control.
ceramic:
non polarised
low to medium capacity (generally under 1µF)
compact
"NPO" stable capacitance types for values up to about 1 nF
low inductance and Equivalent Series Resistance, preferred type for (high frequency) bypass use