What term describes contacts that return to their original state after a force is removed?

The term "momentary" accurately describes contacts that return to their original state once the applied force is removed. This typically pertains to switches or devices that are designed to change their state only while a force is actively applied and will automatically revert back when that force is no longer present.

In practical applications, momentary contacts can be found in push-button switches, where pressing the button will activate a function (like a light turning on) only while the button is held down. When the button is released, the circuit opens again, returning to its original condition.

This behavior is distinct from other terms like maintained, which refers to contacts that remain in their new state until intentionally changed again; permanent, which indicates a lasting state change; and stable, which implies a state that is unlikely to change unless certain conditions are met. These differences highlight the unique characteristic of momentary contacts as transient and reversible.