Understanding Quartz Clocks

Quartz clocks use a quartz crystal to keep time, leveraging the piezoelectric effect discovered by Jacques and Pierre Curie in 1880. The first commercial quartz wristwatch, the Seiko Astron, was released in 1969. Quartz crystals oscillate at 32,768 hertz, a frequency derived from 2^15, allowing for accurate and affordable timekeeping. The video encourages viewers to subscribe for more information.

What is the primary function of a quartz crystal in a clock?

• To generate light

• To keep time

• To produce sound

• To store data

What is the piezoelectric effect?

• The ability of quartz to generate electricity when compressed

• The ability of quartz to change color under pressure

• The ability of quartz to melt at high temperatures

• The ability of quartz to conduct heat

Who discovered the piezoelectric properties of quartz?

• Nikola Tesla

• Jacques and Pierre Curie

• Albert Einstein

• Thomas Edison

When was the first commercial quartz wristwatch released?

• 1920

• 1880

• 1980

• 1969

Why is the frequency 32,768 Hz used in quartz clocks?

• It is the lowest frequency quartz can achieve

• It is the result of 2 to the power of 15

• It is a random number

• It is the highest frequency quartz can achieve