The Illustrated Dictionary of Electronics - Loscha

wave normal • way station 745a right angle to both the electric and magneticlines of flux in an electromagnetic wave.wave number The reciprocal of wavelength. Thisnumber denotes the number of waves per unitdistance.wave packet A short pulse composed of waves.wave packets Radiant energy resulting from anumber of wave trains of different wavelength.wave path The line along which a WAVE TRAIN ispropagated.wave polarization The direction (horizontal or vertical)of wave undulations (i.e., the plane of theundulations, with respect to the direction ofpropagation). In general, a vertical antennaradiates a vertically polarized wave, and ahorizontal antenna radiates a horizontallypolarized wave.wave propagation The movement of wavesthrough space or through some medium. Electromagneticwaves travel through space at the speedof light (approximately 3 × 10 8 meters, or 186,000miles, per second) and, like light, can be reflectedand refracted.wave reflection The reflection of electromagneticwaves by an obstruction, such as a solid body ora layer of the ionosphere. Compare WAVE AB-SORPTION, WAVE POLARIZATION, and WAVEREFRACTION.wave refraction Bending of the line of propagationof electromagnetic waves as they pass throughvarious media, such as the troposphere or theionosphere. Compare WAVE ABSORPTION,WAVE POLARIZATION, and WAVE REFLECTION.waveshape The overall contour of a wave—especiallyas revealed by a curve plotted for the particularwave equation. Also see WAVEFORM.waveshaping circuit A circuit that receives an inputsignal having a certain waveshape, and deliversan output signal having a different waveshape.For example, a squaring circuit converts a sinewave into a square wave at the same frequency.wave surface See WAVE FRONT.wave tail In a decaying pulse or signal envelope, theinterval between the beginning of the decay andthe point at which the amplitude reaches zero.wave telegraphy See RADIOTELEGRAPHY.wave telephony See RADIOTELEPHONY.wave theory of matter A physical theory that thecharge of an electron is distributed in space,rather than being focused at a point. Also seeWAVE MECHANICS.wave tilt A slight forward tilt of the electric fluxlines in a radio wave radiated at the surface of theearth by a vertical antenna.wave train A series of identical electromagneticwave cycles propagated at equal intervals; anelectromagnetic energy burst lasting at least severalcycles.wavetrap A resonant circuit consisting of an inductorand capacitor, either or both of which canbe adjustable for tuning, used to remove (trap) aInputwavetrapOutputsignal at the resonant frequency from a signalmixture.wave trough The minimum value of a wave envelope.Compare WAVE CREST.wave velocity The distance per unit time traversedby a wave passing through a given medium.wave winding See DRUM WINDING.wa-wa pedal A foot-operated device used with anelectronic musical instrument to produce a “wahwah”sound fluctuation.wax 1. Any of a series of organic materials havingimportant uses as dielectrics, impregnants, sealers,and lubricants in electronics. They are usuallysolid or semisolid, waterproof, and easilymelted. 2. In certain phonograph record discs, ablend of wax (see 1, above) and metallic soaps.Also see WAX MASTER, 2.wax cake See WAX MASTER, 1, 2.wax capacitor A fixed capacitor that has beendipped in or impregnated with a wax, such ashalowax.wax-dipped capacitor A fixed capacitor that hasbeen dipped in a wax for sealing against moisture.waxed paper See WAX PAPER.wax-filled capacitor A fixed capacitor impregnatedwith a wax for enhancing the properties of its dielectric(usually paper) and sealing the capacitorunit.wax master 1. In disc-recording operations, theoriginal recording made on a wax-surface disc.2. To make an original recording on a waxsurfacedisc.wax original See WAX MASTER.wax paper Wax-saturated paper used as a dielectricfilm in fixed capacitors and as an insulator.way-operated circuit A single or duplex circuitshared by three or more party stations.way point An important point selected on a radionavigationalcourse line.way station A station consisting of a teletypewriterconnected at an intermediate point in a line (i.e.,between, and in series with, other teletypewriterstations).