GLOSSARY
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Watt Density: The watts emanating from each square inch of heated surface
area of a heater. Expressed in units of watts per square inch.
Wheatstone Bridge: A network of four resistances, an emf source, and a galvanometer
connected such that when the four resistances are matched, the galvanometer will show a zero
deflection or "null" reading.
Window: In computer graphics, a defined area in a system not bounded by any limits;
unlimited "space" in graphics.
Word: Number of bits treated as a single unit by the CPU. In an 8-bit machine, the word
length is 8 bits; in a sixteen bit machine, it is 16 bits.
Working Standard: A standard of unit measurement calibrated from either a primary or
secondary standard which is used to calibrate other devices or make comparison measurements.
Write: To record data in a storage device or on a data medium.
Young's Modulus: Young's Modulus (the Modulus of Elasticity) is equivalent
to the ratio of normal stress to strain.
Zero Adjustment: The ability to adjust the display of a process or strain
meter so that zero on the display corresponds to a non-zero signal, such as 4 mA, 10 mA, or 1 V dc.
The adjustment range is normally expressed in counts.
Zero Offset: 1. The difference expressed in degrees between true zero and an indication
given by a measuring instrument. 2. See Zero Suppression
Zero Point: The electrical zero point where zero millivolts would be displayed. Used in
conjunction with the slope control to provide a narrower range calibration.
Zero Power Resistance: The resistance of a thermistor or RTD element with no power being
dissipated.
Zero Suppression: The span of an indicator or chart recorder may be offset from zero (zero
suppressed) such that neither limit of the span will be zero. For example, a temperature recorder
which records a 100° span from 400° to 500° is said to have 400° zero
suppression.
Zero Voltage Switching: The making or breaking of circuit timed such that the transition
occurs when the voltage wave form crosses zero voltage; typically only found in solid state switching
devices.
Zooming: In computer graphics, causing an object to appear smaller or larger by moving the
window and specifying various window sizes.
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