Clock

A clock is a device that indicates time, and it is an inevitable part of everyone’s life. One can’t simply think of being alive without a clock, isn’t it?

Well, the word ‘clock’ is taken from the Celtic words ‘clocca’ and ‘clogan’, which mean ‘bell’ in literal terms.

History of Clock

The clock was invented long back and there were plenty of forms of clocks invented during early days. The very first form of clock was invented in 14th century.

Types of Clocks

Currently, three types of clocks are available in market; they are –

• tower clock,
• coiled spring clock, and
• pendulum clock.

Tower clock

The tower clock was unique mechanized clock, which was derived from many earlier clocks developed in the monasteries. The tower clocks were very large and made from structures of iron. Falling weights used to drive the tower clock; these were fixed to a long rope or cord, which was coiled about the main shaft or a drum of the clock. The “verge” controlled the lifting and falling of the weight. A large wheel called verge with teeth that transformed energy from the curved of clock hands and the falling weight.

Coiled Spring Clock

In 15th century, the coiled spring clock was invented. These clocks were portable and small due to absence of larger weights. People used these mechanical devices (clocks) in their houses. Similar to tower clocks, these coil spring clocks were also inaccurate by nearly half an hour.

Pendulum Clock

The pendulum clock was designed in 16th century by Galileo. He used a pendulum to control the clock time. Same as weight mechanism, the pendulum swings to and fro and gains energy and momentum during every swing. The arc of pendulum corresponds to one hand of clock and, based on the arc, it translates to one second in time.

Understanding Working of a Digital Clock

In a pendulum clock, the spring weight behaves as the source of power for clock work. For any clock to work properly, three things are necessary. They are explained below.

• A precise time base, which behaves as the heart of clock.
• Adjusting time base to differentiate time into its components such as seconds, minutes, and hours.
• A screen to display the time.

A digital clock works on the same principle of pendulum clock. All the functions are handled electronically rather than mechanically. Therefore, in a digital clock one power supply is installed to generate electrical signals. It has a time base that works with electric signals and the digital clock is more accurate than traditional clocks. It has an electronic gearing system to control the time components, and a counter too. And usually, LEDs or LCDs are used in digital display to show time.

A small demonstration is given below