water clocks
What is a water clock?
A water clock is a clock that uses the constant* flow of water to measure time. Along with the shadow clock, the water clock is a very old design**. It's not very accurate, unlike modern wristwatches and quartz clocks because the hole can widen over time***.
How does a water clock work?
There are two types of water clocks: inflow and outflow.
An inflow clock has water slowly flowing into the container at a constant rate from a hole, while an outflow water clock has water draining from the water filled container. The person who is using the clock can see time passing by looking at the marks on the side of the container.
Note:
Don't get water clocks confused with the modern "water-powered" clock. The water powered clock is basically a digital clock running on a battery and the battery is charged by the water with a little bit of lemon juice.
*not very constant, but good enough.
**I mean it, its been around for thousands of years!
***I mean: stone holes, not the modern plastic tubes! See "How does a water clock work?" section
A water clock is a clock that uses the constant* flow of water to measure time. Along with the shadow clock, the water clock is a very old design**. It's not very accurate, unlike modern wristwatches and quartz clocks because the hole can widen over time***.
How does a water clock work?
There are two types of water clocks: inflow and outflow.
An inflow clock has water slowly flowing into the container at a constant rate from a hole, while an outflow water clock has water draining from the water filled container. The person who is using the clock can see time passing by looking at the marks on the side of the container.
Note:
Don't get water clocks confused with the modern "water-powered" clock. The water powered clock is basically a digital clock running on a battery and the battery is charged by the water with a little bit of lemon juice.
*not very constant, but good enough.
**I mean it, its been around for thousands of years!
***I mean: stone holes, not the modern plastic tubes! See "How does a water clock work?" section
pros & cons
Pros
1. They don't need any power source (batteries etc.).
2. Unlike the sundial (you could read about it here), the water clock would work: indoors. 3. It would work anywhere, anytime. |
Cons
1. You need to refill the bowl after a period of time
2. As I said in the What is a water clock? section, the hole or channel can widen over time. 3. Not very portable (you can't wear it or even take it with you!). |
What is a water clock?
A water clock is a clock that uses the constant* flow of water to measure time. Along with the shadow clock, the water clock is a very old design**. It's not very accurate, unlike modern wristwatches and quartz clocks because the hole can widen over time***.
How does a water clock work?
There are two types of water clocks: inflow and outflow.
An inflow clock has water slowly flowing into the container at a constant rate from a hole, while an outflow water clock has water draining from the water filled container. The person who is using the clock can see time passing by looking at the marks on the side of the container.
Note:
Don't get water clocks confused with the modern "water-powered" clock. The water powered clock is basically a digital clock running on a battery and the battery is charged by the water with a little bit of lemon juice.
*not very constant, but good enough.
**I mean it, its been around for thousands of years!
***I mean: stone holes, not the modern plastic tubes! See "How does a water clock work?" section