The phase of discharge of a static condenser in one direction. It is usually followed by a discharge in the opposite direction constituting a second oscillation, and so on, so that a great number of exceedingly short oscillations are comprised. Thus, in the discharge of the Leyden jar a large number of oscillations of current [...]

When two liquids are separated by a porous diaphragm, and a strong current of electricity is passed through from the liquid on one side, through the diaphragm, to the liquid on the other side, the liquid on the side towards which the current is passing rises in level. The process is termed electric osmose. When [...]

Electro-motive force rapidly changing in sense or in direction, so that it presents an oscillatory character. The alternating current and the telephone current as used in practice are actuated by this type of electro-motive force.

In static electricity the sudden and very rapid alternations in the discharge of a static condenser. This discharge of the disruptive order seems a single one, but is really composed of a number of discharges alternating in direction and producing electro-magnetic ether waves, probably identical with light waves except that they are longer and far [...]

A small light bar magnet suspended by a filament and employed in determining the intensity of a magnetic field by the oscillations it completes in a given time after a given disturbance.

In a system of linear co-ordinates the point of intersection of the axes; the point whose co-ordinates are both zero.

The acquirement by a magnetic needle of its position of rest, with its magnetic axis in the magnetic meridian.

An organ in which the air blast is admitted or excluded from the different pipes by electric mechanism. The outlines of the system are a series of contacts worked by the keys and stops, which cause, when operated by the organist, a current to pass through electro-magnets, opening the valves of the different pipes. Thus [...]

The vertical axis in a system of co-ordinates, q. v. Synonym–Axis of Y.

In a system of plane co-ordinates (see Co-ordinates), the distance of any point from the axis of abscissas measured parallel to the axis of ordinates.