Current, Undulatory

A current varying in strength without any abrupt transition from action to inaction, as in the make and break current. The current may be continually changing in direction (see Current, Alternating), and hence, of nece ity, may pa through stages of zero intensity, but such transition must be by a graduation, not by an abrupt transition. Such current may be represented by a curve, such as the curve of sines. It is evident that the current may pa through the zero point as it cro es the line or changes direction without being a make and break current. When such a current does alternate in direction it is sometimes called a "shuttle current." The ordinary commercial telephone current and the alternating current is of this type. (See Current, Make and Break.)