Question

Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps in the manufacturing of a wet electrolyte tantalum capacitor?

Option 1: Pellets of tantalum powder are welded into a porous mass, followed by the formation of a thin layer of tantalum pentoxide on the pellet surfaces, and then sealing the assembly in a tantalum or silver can containing an electrolyte solution.

Option 2: Pellets of tantalum powder are sealed in a tantalum or silver can containing an electrolyte solution, followed by the formation of a thin layer of tantalum pentoxide on the pellet surfaces, and then welding them into a porous mass.

Option 3: A thin layer of tantalum pentoxide is formed on the surface of the pellets by passing a current of electricity through the pellets, followed by welding the pellets into a porous mass, and then sealing the assembly in a tantalum or silver can containing an electrolyte solution.

Option 4: The pellets are purified and welded into a porous mass, followed by sealing the assembly in a tantalum or silver can containing an electrolyte solution, and then forming a thin layer of tantalum pentoxide on the surface of the pellets by passing a current of electricity through them.

Answer 1

Option (1), The correct steps for manufacturing a wet electrolyte tantalum capacitor are welding tantalum powder pellets into a porous mass, forming a layer of tantalum pentoxide on the surfaces by anodization, and then sealing the assembly in a can with an electrolyte solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct sequence of steps in the manufacturing of a wet electrolyte tantalum capacitor is represented in Option 1. Here is the step-by-step explanation:

1. Pellets of tantalum powder are welded into a porous mass. This step creates the structure that will ultimately serve as one of the capacitor's electrodes.
2. A thin layer of tantalum pentoxide is formed on the pellet surfaces. This oxide layer acts as a dielectric due to its insulating properties and is essential for the capacitor's function. It is typically formed by anodization, where the pellets are subject to an electrical current in an acidic solution.
3. Finally, the assembly is sealed in a tantalum or silver can containing an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte serves as the other electrode and allows for the capacitance property of the capacitor to be realized.

The process utilizes principles similar to those in electrolytic cells, where oxidation and reduction reactions occur at the anode and cathode respectively, such as in the Hall-Héroult cell for aluminum production.