The quartz clock keeps better time than the best mechanical clocks. It contains a specially cut quartz crystal that vibrates at a particular frequency when voltage is applied. The vibrations can be sustained in an electrical circuit and will generate a signal of constant frequency that can be used to keep time.
Caption:
The quartz clock keeps better time than the best mechanical clocks.
Type: Illustration
Image Date: 2012
Credit: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Origin: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
