How Accurate Can a Clock Be? Exploring Precision in Timekeeping

Discover how accurate clocks can be, from atomic clocks to quartz and radio-controlled options.

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Clocks can be highly accurate, with atomic clocks being the most precise, losing less than a second in millions of years. For daily use, quartz clocks have an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month, while radio-controlled clocks sync with atomic clocks for precise timekeeping.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the most accurate type of clock? Atomic clocks are the most accurate, losing less than a second over millions of years.
  2. How accurate are quartz clocks? Quartz clocks typically have an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month.
  3. What are radio-controlled clocks? Radio-controlled clocks synchronize with atomic clocks to maintain precise time.
  4. How do clocks keep time accurately? Clocks maintain accuracy through various mechanisms, such as quartz oscillators and atomic time standards.