Neets Master Glossary

1-64 RGK—The symbol used to express the resistance between the grid and the cathode of an electron tube [6]. RHEOSTAT—A variable resistor used for the purpose of adjusting the current in a circuit [1] [4]. RHO—Greek letter "rho" ( ). Used in the field of electricity and electronics to represent the specific resistance of a substance [4]. RHOMBIC ANTENNA—A diamond-shaped antenna used widely for long-distance, high-frequency transmission and reception [10]. RIGID COAXIAL LINE—A coaxial line consisting of a central insulated wire (inner conductor) mounted inside of a tubular outer conductor [10]. RIGIDITY—The tendency of the spin axis of a gyro wheel to remain in a fixed direction in space if no force is applied to it [15]. RINGING—RF oscillations caused by shock excitation of a resonant circuit or cavity [18]. RING TIME—In radar, the time during which the output of an echo box remains above a specified level [18]. RIPPLE FREQUENCY—The frequency of the ripple current. In a full-wave rectifier it is twice the input- line frequency [6]. RIPPLE VOLTAGE—The alternating component of unidirectional voltage. (This component is small compared to the direct component.) [6] RLC CIRCUIT—An electrical circuit that has the properties of resistance, inductance, and capacitance [2]. RL DIFFERENTIATOR—An RL circuit in which the output is taken from the inductor [9]. RL INTEGRATOR—An RL circuit in which the output is taken from the resistor [9]. RMS—Abbreviation of root mean square [2]. ROOT MEAN SQUARE (RMS)—The equivalent heating value of an alternating current or voltage, as compared to a direct current or voltage. It is 0.707 times the peak value of a sine wave [2]. ROTARY CAP—A spark gap, similar to a mechanically driven rotary switch, used to discharge a pulse- forming network [12]. ROTARY SWITCH—A multicontact switch with contacts arranged in a circular or semicircular manner [3]. ROTATING FIELD—The magnetic field in a multiphase ac motor that is the result of field windings being energized by out-of-phase currents. In effect, the magnetic field is made to rotate electrically rather than mechanically [5]. ROTATING JOINT—A joint that permits one section of a transmission line or waveguide to rotate continuously with respect to another while passing energy through the joint. Also called a rotary coupler [11].