About Atomic Clocks
- Atomic clocks feature a number of key parts that will be present in almost all incarnations of the device. These parts include an inner cavity completely enclosed by the case of the clock, and often filled with a core element such as Cesium-133. This core element is surrounded by a heating mechanism, a protective case and a display that shows the time digitally.
- The atomic clock tells time according to the frequency of the movements of the atoms inside. These movements, known as oscillations, correspond with a certain period of time, and are measured in seconds. While a normal clock uses a pendulum or balance wheel to track time, the oscillations of the heated atom are used in an atomic clock. The atom will oscillate a certain number of times per second, and once this number of oscillations is measured, the clock will change to the next second, thus keeping accurate time.
- The electrical charges inside of the atomic clock play a key role in keeping time, and they come from the Cesium-133 or another element inside the clock. The Cesium is first heated within the clock, and the atoms are released from the Cesium. The different electrical charges will pass through a tube and a magnetic field, and the correct charges are passed through. These charges are then converted to an oscillation frequency, which will vibrate to keep track of seconds.
- Atomic clocks can be used for a variety of purposes, and play an important role in Global Positioning System technology. Each GPS satellite carries atomic clocks to ensure that measurements of each location are kept precisely. Many Earth scientists also utilize atomic clocks, and these allow them to keep exact track of galactic explorations and crust movements.