A current changed, as regards direction or directions, by a commutator, q. v., or its equivalent.

A current passing through a circular conductor; a current whose path is in the shape of a circle.

If the external coatings of a charged and uncharged jar are placed in connection, and if the inner coatings are now connected, after separating them they are both found to be charged in the same manner. In this process a current has been produced between the outside coatings and one between the inner ones, to [...]

A unit of current strength used in Germany; the strength of a current which will liberate in 24 hours (86,400 seconds) one gram of hydrogen gas, in a water voltameter. The atomic current is equal to 1.111 amperes. In telegraphic work the milliatom is used as a unit, comparable to the milliampere. The latter is [...]

Usually defined and spoken of as a current flowing alternately in opposite directions. It may be considered as a succession of currents, each of short duration and of direction opposite to that of its predecessor. It is graphically represented by such a curve as shown in the cut. The horizontal line may denote a zero [...]

A current produced by the animal tissue after it has been subjected to a current in the opposite direction for some time. The tissue acts like a secondary battery. The term is used in electro-therapeutics.

The adjustment, or effects of a continuous attempt at readjustment of potential difference by a conductor, q. v., connecting two points of different potential. A charged particle or body placed in a field of force tends to move toward the oppositely charged end or portion of the field. If a series of conducting particles or [...]

A cup used in two-fluid voltaic batteries to keep the solutions separate to some extent. It forms a diaphragm through which diffusion inevitably takes place, but which is considerably retarded, while electrolysis and electrolytic convection take place freely through its walls. As material, unglazed pottery is very generally used. In some batteries the cup is [...]

Many substances under proper conditions take a crystalline form. The great condition is the passage from the fluid into the solid state. When such is brought about by electricity in any way, the term electric crystallization may be applied to the phenomenon. A solution of silver nitrate for instance, decomposed by a current, may give [...]

A crucible for melting difficultly fusible substances, or for reducing ores, etc., by the electric arc produced within it. Sometimes the heating is due more to current incandescence than to the action of an arc.