Z glossary entries

The z-axis is the third reference axis in a three-dimensional coordinate system, usually used to describe depth, height, thickness, or out-of-plane direction.

A z-score is a dimensionless standardized value equal to the distance between an observation and a reference mean divided by the reference standard deviation.

The z-transform maps a discrete-time sequence into a complex-domain function for analysing sampled signals and systems.

A Zener diode is a diode intended to conduct in reverse breakdown at a specified voltage while maintaining a relatively controlled voltage across its terminals.

A zero-order hold is a sampled-data model or circuit behaviour in which each sample value is held constant until the next sample is available.

Zeta potential is the electrokinetic potential associated with the slipping plane around a particle, droplet, or interface moving through a liquid.

The Ziegler-Nichols method is an empirical approach for choosing PID controller gains from either an open-loop process reaction curve or the ultimate closed-loop gain and oscillation period.

A zinc coating is a protective layer applied to steel or iron to delay corrosion by forming a barrier and by providing sacrificial galvanic protection.

Zirconia is a ceramic material based on zirconium dioxide, often stabilized with dopants to control phase transformations and engineering properties.

Zone refining is a purification process in which a narrow molten zone travels through a solid so impurities redistribute between liquid and solid phases.