What we are really measuring is time intervals, the duration separating two events.

View as a Web Page How Do We Measure Time? The answer to how we measure time may seem obvious. We do so with clocks. However, when we say we're measuring time, we are speaking loosely. Time has no physical properties to measure. What we are really measuring is time intervals, the duration separating two events. Throughout history, people have recorded the passage of time in many ways, such as using sunrise and sunset and the phases of the moon. Clocks evolved from sundials and water wheels to more accurate pendulums and quartz crystals. Nowadays when we need to know the current time, we look at our wristwatch or the digital clock on our computer or phone. Read More MORE FROM THIS SERIES How Do You Measure It? Much of the world around us would be a mystery without good measurements. Whether it's the depth of the ocean, the nutrients in your cereal, or the age of dinosaur fossils, measurements help us to learn about our world and make good decisions about what to do in everyday life. In our "How Do You Measure It?" web series, we answer questions that will help you better understand how our modern world works — and why good measurements play an important role in your life. Read More

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