*Question G6A04:
Which of the following is characteristic of an electrolytic capacitor?*  

*Correct Answer is  C: High capacitance for a given volume*  

### AI Response: (may contain errors)  

Electrolytic capacitors are widely used in various electronic applications due to their specific characteristics. Let's break down the question and the choices:

### Correct Answer: C - High capacitance for a given volume

- **Explanation**: 
  - Electrolytic capacitors are designed to provide a high capacitance value in a relatively small physical size. This is due to their construction, which uses an electrolyte as one of the plates, allowing for a larger surface area and thus higher capacitance. 
  - They are commonly used in power supply circuits and audio applications where large capacitance values are needed.

### Why the Other Choices are Incorrect:

- **A: Tight tolerance**  
  - **Explanation**: Electrolytic capacitors typically have a wider tolerance compared to other types of capacitors, such as ceramic or film capacitors. Their tolerances can range from ±10% to ±20%, which is not considered "tight."

- **B: Much less leakage than any other type**  
  - **Explanation**: Electrolytic capacitors generally have higher leakage currents compared to other types of capacitors. This is due to the nature of the electrolyte used in their construction, which can allow some current to pass through even when the capacitor is not in use.

- **D: Inexpensive RF capacitor**  
  - **Explanation**: While electrolytic capacitors can be inexpensive, they are not suitable for RF (radio frequency) applications due to their high equivalent series resistance (ESR) and inductance. RF applications typically require capacitors with low ESR and high-frequency performance, such as ceramic or film capacitors.

### Summary

- **Key Characteristics of Electrolytic Capacitors**:
  - High capacitance for a given volume
  - Wider tolerance (not tight)
  - Higher leakage current
  - Not suitable for RF applications

Understanding these characteristics will help you identify the appropriate applications for electrolytic capacitors and distinguish them from other types of capacitors.