How does an atomic watch work?

Answer 1

An atomic clock counts the vibration of an Atom. It has been verified that so many vibrations of a cesium atom (measured in cycles per second/ frequency) equals one second. So by counting the vibrations of cesium atoms we can have a very accurate and unwavering count of the second.

Often times the time is then broadcast via radio for other clocks around the world to tune in with. I have one in my room! I don't have to set it, just plug it in!

Answer 2

Quartz clocks and watches use the piezo electric effect of a silicon dioxide crystal that generates a tiny voltage across it when deformed. Two wires from gold plated patches are taken from either side of the crystal and the unit is encapsulated in a tiny cylinder. The watch crystal is laser trimmed to oscillate at a chosen frequency. In most watches this is 32,768Hz because it is a multiple of 2 raised to the power of 14. The tuned crystal is wired in an electronic oscillator using a tiny integrated circuit containing a cascade of binary flip flops. These devices divide an incoming frequency in half like going down the octaves on a piano. After 14 iterations through these devices a signal of exactly 1Hz is available to drive a tiny stepping motor. This drives the second hand and the hour and minute hands are driven in the normal way via gears.

Answer 3

An atomic watch uses a radio signal from an atomic clock to accurately set its time. This signal communicates the precise time based on atomic vibrations, ensuring the watch remains highly accurate. The watch receives this signal and automatically adjusts its time accordingly.

Answer 4

I searched >atomic clock < at Wikipedia.org, "The World's Encyclopedia" and got the link in the related links section.

I couldn't possibly beat their introduction paragraph.