Why do polarized caps explode?
Theory one.
When someone reverses the cap the water inside the cap turns to HHO (video on it) and then explodes. theory from qoura
Argument against it.
From what I know, they do not use water as the electrolytic.
Theory two.
When someone reverses the cap it shorts, and then the heat generated from the short builds up pressure & then pop and the confetti comes out.
A.H.W

 

Theory two is right. The reverse current breaks down the insulating oxide layer and large currents start to flow which generates heat. The electrolyte is a liquid solvent (water or organic) which boils and generates high pressure - BANG.

 

It explodes because it becomes a low value resistor that dissipates 'real power instead being of a capacitor that stores energy. The mechanics could be a combination of vapor pressure and/or electrolysis but usually a simple boiling of fluid into vapor explains most of the pressure.

 

Ionization causes heat. Different materials have different heat expansion rates.
If the leakage current causes ionization (lot's of leakage current doesn't).....depending on that rate.......the cap can swell over time....or very quickly....i.e. explode.
Ionization can also manufacture gas. H gas would be easy. No H2O required.

 

Awesome, thanks for all y'alls help.
A.H.W.