Under what condition should electrolytic capacitors be connected within a circuit?

Electrolytic capacitors are specifically designed to be polarized, which means they have a positive and a negative terminal. It is crucial to connect these capacitors with the correct polarity to ensure proper functionality and prevent damage. When connected incorrectly, the capacitor can fail, which could lead to leakage or even catastrophic failure, such as explosion or fire due to the buildup of gas from the electrolyte.

The correct polarity allows the capacitor to operate as intended in filtering, energy storage, or decoupling applications within electronic circuits. This aligns with their design, where the dielectric material is predominantly an electrolyte that performs optimally only when the correct terminal connections are adhered to. The other options do not highlight the critical importance of polarity, which is essential for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the capacitor in the circuit.