Grace's Explanation

How Can Clocks Tick?

Have you ever seen something that tracks time and is decorative in one object? Sure, a pendulum clock! Have you ever looked at a clock and wondered what makes it go? Clocks are really complex household objects, but they hold a large purpose, which is to keep everyone on time. Have you ever been late and had to make excuses? This may be because you haven’t invested in a clock or wristwatch.

Do you use a clock in your home? Many homes have at least two clocks, these can appear in two different types. These types of clocks are very common. The first type of clock is an analog clock. A common characteristic is that analog clocks have number or numerals painted on the face. The second type of clock is completely different, this is a digital clock. A standout characteristic is that it has a number of electric cords in it that are producing electricity to make it work.

A pendulum clock works by many different objects inside. Pendulums are metal objects that are attached to a strong cord or wire, which make the ticking sound. Secondly, you will find gears. Gears and cogs are possibly the main object on the inside of a clock. Formally known as cogwheels, cogs were invented by mother nature herself. In form of the Issus Coleoptratus, a bug that is thought to have gears on the abdomen! Gears are thought to be invented by ancient Greeks around 300 B.C. Thirdly, every single clock on Earth will have a handful of screws to keep any excess parts in place. Parts like a metal plate for example will need to be held in place, even if the plate is used to hold the cogs and gears in place. Even digital clocks will have screws and metal plates in them!

Clocks are used everywhere! From Australia to New Zealand people are using clocks to schedule their days. Imagine a world with no clocks where the 7 billion people on this planet wouldn’t be able to keep any knowledge of the time! Therefore, everybody would be late to meetings, dinners and sporting events. The list is endless! The Dutch speaking Christiaan Huygens would be shocked, if he knew how helpful his invention was. Maybe it wasn’t that popular when it was invented (1656)... But it is time saving in the modern days of the 21st century!

Tick Tock!

Time ran out, Finishing an explanation is the hardest thing to write because, frankly, it’s the last thing the reader will see!  So, to conclude the explanation, clocks are something humans cannot live without. Just like the previous paragraph informed you. The world would be mayhem! So, next time you’re early for something. You should be thankful you aren’t late.

By Grace