Alternating current (ac) - Answers A source of electrical power in which electrons flow in one direction
and then change course to flow in the opposite direction
Armature - Answers The electromagnet in an electric motor that rotates within a magnetic field and
creates the motor's torque
Bifilar Construction - Answers A method of winding stator coils in which two separate wires are wound
into the coil slots at the same time. The two wires are small, permitting twice as many turns as with a
larger wire
Brushes - Answers Carbon devices that rub against the commutator in an electric motor. When power
passes through the brushes and commutator on its way to the armature, additional magnetic fields are
created
Commutator - Answers Part of a dc motor that switches current flow
Comparator - Answers A control system element that compares the feedback signal from the controlled
element to a reference signal or standard. The comparator develops a correction signal, if needed,
which is sent to the control unit
Compound-wound dc motor - Answers A type of dc motor that has two sets of field windings
Control - Answers Devices that alter the flow of power and cause some type of operational change in the
system, such as changes in electric current, hydraulic pressure, light intensity, or air flow
Counter electromotive force (cemf) - Answers Voltage generated as the armature of a dc motor rotates.
This voltage opposes the voltage applied to the motor
Cycle - Answers Each repeated pattern of change in the direction of the flow of electrons in alternating
current power
Cycle timing system - Answers A type of timing system that turns a device on or off at specific intervals
or in time with an operational sequence
Dc stepping motor - Answers A type of dc motor in which the rotor is a permanent magnet. These
motors are primarily used to change electrical pulses into rotary motion
Delay timing system - Answers A type of timing system that provides a lapse in time before the load
device actually becomes energized
Detector - Answers A component of that sensing system responds to energy from the source and
outputs a signal that is used to control the load device
Detents - Answers An overload protection device comprised of two or more elements held in position by
spring-loaded mechanisms. When placed under extreme stress, detents shift from their original position