Everybody knows what a clock does. It is a mechanical device that is used to measure, keep, and indicate time. It is one of the oldest human inventions and arguably one of the most complex. An early invention used to tell time is called the sundial. It used the sun to tell time by displaying a shadow on a flat surface with markings etched into it, representing the numbers that show what time it is.
The first mechanical clocks probably appeared in the 13th century with the advancement of balance wheels, which were used as timekeepers in the clock. This increases the accuracy of clocks, but they were far from perfect. Many types of clocks exist, some of which are called mechanical water clocks, early 11th century clocks, all the way to atomic clocks, extremely precise clocks.
Atomic clocks are the pinnacle of precision when it comes to clocks. They can still be accurate within a few seconds over trillions of years. They use a ytterbium atom to ensure precision and are as of now the most accurate clocks in the world.
Fun Facts:
- The first and oldest clock in the world was created in 1386. It currently resides in Salisbury, England.
- The term "o' clock" came to be as an abbreviation of "of the clock".
- Old pennies are used to keep track of time in Big Ben.
A basic sundial:
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clock
https://easyscienceforkids.com/clocks-time-video-for-kids/
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