K
Kaolin. A form of earth or product of decomposed feldspar composed of silica and alumina. It is serviceable in insulating compounds.
Kathode. The terminal of an electric circuit whence an electrolyzing current passes from a solution. It is the terminal connected to the zinc pole of a battery or the article on which the electro-deposit is made.
Key. The arm of a telegraphic sounder by which the circuit is made and broken. A pivoted lever with a finger-piece which, when depressed, makes contact between a point and a stationary contact on the base.
Keyboard. A board, or table, on which keys or switches are mounted.
A switchboard.
Kilowatt. A compound unit; one thousand watts; an electric-current measure. Abbreviation, K-W.
Kilowatt Hour. The result in work equal to the expenditure or exertion of one kilowatt in one hour.
Kinetoscope. A photographic instrument invented by Edison for obtaining the effect of a panorama or moving objects by the display of pictures in rapid succession—in familiar parlance, “moving pictures.”
Knife Switch. A switch with a narrow and deep, movable blade, or bar of copper or brass, which resembles the blade of a knife. It is forced between two spring-clamps attached to one terminal so as to make perfect contact.