How Do Clocks Keep Time Accurate?

Clocks use a steady beat to keep track of time. Just like your heartbeat keeps you going, clocks have something that ticks or swings in a regular pattern. If it’s steady, the clock stays accurate. Sometimes they need help from other things, like the sun or special machines.

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Examples

A grandfather clock keeps time because its pendulum swings exactly once every second.
Your phone keeps time accurately because it has a tiny crystal that vibrates like a drumbeat inside it.
The sun helps clocks stay accurate when they use sunlight to reset themselves each day.

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Categories: Science · Time,Clocks,Mechanics