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Contrary to popular beliefs, atomic clocks are not radioactive. They do not use the atomic decay; actually, they have an oscillating mass and a spring, just like ordinary clocks.
Unlike ordinary clocks, they do not fall behind or pick up the pace. They are the most accurate time keepers of all, better than the rotation of the Earth and the movement of the stars.
The most precise atomic clock on the planet falls behind one second every 70 million years! If it were built just before the extinction of the dinosaurs, it would still be right on time.
Today's best atomic frequency standards (or clocks) are based on absorption spectroscopy of cold atoms in atomic fountains.
Atoms have characteristic oscillation frequencies. Perhaps the most familiar frequency is the orange glow from the sodium in table salt if it is sprinkled on a flame. An atom will have many frequencies, some at radio wavelength, some in the visible spectrum, and some in between the two. Cesium 133 is the element most commonly chosen for atomic clocks.
To create a clock, cesium is first heated so that atoms boil off and pass down a tube maintained at a high vacuum. First they pass through a magnetic field that selects atoms of the right energy state; then they pass through an intense microwave field. The frequency of the microwave energy sweeps backward and forward within a narrow range of frequencies, so that at some point in each cycle it crosses the frequency of exactly 9,192,631,770 Hertz (Hz, or cycles per second). The range of the microwave generator is already close to this exact frequency, as it comes from an accurate crystal oscillator. When a cesium atom receives microwave energy at exactly the right frequency, it changes its energy state.
At the far end of the tube, another magnetic field separates out the atoms that have changed their energy state if the microwave field was at exactly the correct frequency. A detector at the end of the tube gives an output proportional to the number of cesium atoms striking it, and therefore, peaks in output when the microwave frequency is exactly correct. This peak is then used to make the slight correction necessary to bring the crystal oscillator and hence the microwave field exactly on frequency. This locked frequency is then divided by 9 192 631 770 to give the familiar one pulse per second required by the real world.
Atomic clocks are the basis of the GPS navigation system. The GPS master clocks are Atomic clocks at the ground stations, and each of the GPS satellites has an on-board atomic clock.
What else can I help you with?
What kind of clock uses a visible pendulum to keep track of time?
A grandfather clock is a type of clock that uses a visible pendulum to keep track of time. The pendulum swings back and forth in a regulated motion to maintain the accuracy of the clock's timekeeping.
What functions does a alarm clock have?
Keep track of the correct time, and wake you up at a set time.
How well does the La Crosse Wall Clock keep time?
The La Crosse brand wall clocks keep excellent time, as they are an atomic clock. This means that they receive actual time updates from local and worldwide time servers.
How do you set the clock S10 Scan Atomic Clock?
How do you set the time on a S10/Scan atomic clock model 86715
Element used to make atomic clock?
One type of atomic clock uses Rubidium.
Do quartz crystals power everything?
They are used to keep track of clock cycles. They do not power anything, but are used simply to track time elapsed.
Why do you need a clock when you study?
You need a clock so you can keep track of time. You can also use a clock to time yourself and know how fast you can read and comprehend. Knowing the time can help you focus on the subjects you need to cover.
Why do you need a clock when you are studying?
You need a clock so you can keep track of time. You can also use a clock to time yourself and know how fast you can read and comprehend. Knowing the time can help you focus on the subjects you need to cover.
Who invented the atomic clock?
The first atomic clock was invented in 1948 by the US Bureau of Standards.The first practical atomic clock was invented by English physicist Louis Essen in the 1955.Atomic clocks use the energy changes that take place in atoms to keep track of time. Atomic clocks are so accurate that they lose or gain no more than 1 second once every 2 or 3 million years.The most accurate, modern-day atomic clocks will neither lose nor gain a second in 168 million years.
Settings atomic clock?
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What is the most accurate clock in the world and how does it maintain such precision?
The most accurate clock in the world is the atomic clock, which uses the vibrations of atoms to keep time. It maintains precision by measuring the frequency of electromagnetic radiation emitted by atoms, such as cesium or rubidium, which are known to vibrate at a constant rate. This allows the atomic clock to keep time with incredible accuracy, losing only a second every few million years.
What is the most accurate time keeping device?
Atomic clocks are considered the most accurate timekeeping devices. They use the vibrations of atoms to keep time, which are incredibly consistent and reliable. These clocks are used in GPS systems, telecommunications networks, and scientific research.
