Understanding Leap Seconds

The video explains how the Earth's rotation defines a day and introduces the concept of leap seconds, which are added to synchronize our clocks with Earth's rotation. Leap seconds are necessary due to slight changes in Earth's rotation speed caused by natural events. The video also highlights the potential impact of leap seconds on computer systems and provides historical context, noting that over two dozen leap seconds have been added since 1971.

How do we typically measure the length of a day?

• By the Earth's orbit around the Sun

• By the Earth's rotation on its axis

• By the Moon's orbit around the Earth

• By the Earth's distance from the Sun

What is the primary reason for adding a leap second?

• To adjust for daylight saving time

• To correct the calendar year

• To synchronize clocks with Earth's rotation

• To account for leap years

What natural events can affect the Earth's rotation speed?

• Solar flares

• Geological events like earthquakes

• Tidal waves

• Meteor showers

Who is responsible for predicting when a leap second is needed?

• The International Atomic Time Service

• The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service

• The Universal Time Coordinating Committee

• The Global Timekeeping Authority

How far in advance is a leap second announced?

• 1 month

• 3 months

• 6 months

• 1 year

What happened when a leap second was added in 2012?

• It caused a global blackout

• It resulted in a change of calendar

• It led to some web pages crashing

• It was unnoticed by everyone

How many leap seconds have been added since 1971?

• More than three dozen

• More than two dozen

• More than a dozen

• More than four dozen

What is the effect of adding a leap second on the day it is added?

• The day becomes 1 millisecond longer

• The day becomes 1 hour longer

• The day becomes 1 second longer

• The day becomes 1 minute longer

Why might many people not notice a leap second?

• Because it is added at midnight

• Because it is only a second long

• Because it is announced in advance

• Because it is added during a holiday

What is the overall purpose of leap seconds?

• To keep time synchronized on a planetary level

• To correct for time zone differences

• To align with lunar cycles

• To adjust for seasonal changes