12 Hour Clock: Understanding the Basics
The 12 hour clock is a widely used time-keeping system that divides the day into two periods: AM (Ante Meridiem) and PM (Post Meridiem). In this system, the day starts at 12:00 AM and ends at 11:59 PM.
History of the 12 Hour Clock
The 12 hour clock has its roots in ancient Babylon, where people used a sexagesimal (base-60) number system to keep track of time. The Babylonians divided the day into 24 equal periods, with each period consisting of 60 minutes. The 12 hour clock was later adopted by the Romans and eventually spread throughout the world.
How the 12 Hour Clock Works
The 12 hour clock works by dividing the day into two 12-hour periods:
AM (Ante Meridiem)
- Starts at 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Ends at 11:59 AM (noon)
PM (Post Meridiem)
- Starts at 12:00 PM (noon)
- Ends at 11:59 PM (midnight)
Converting 24 Hour Time to 12 Hour Time
To convert 24 hour time to 12 hour time, simply subtract 12 from the hour if it is greater than 12. For example:
- 14:00 becomes 2:00 PM
- 22:00 becomes 10:00 PM
Advantages of the 12 Hour Clock
The 12 hour clock has several advantages, including:
- Easier to read: The 12 hour clock is often easier to read and understand than the 24 hour clock, especially for people who are not used to military time.
- More common: The 12 hour clock is more widely used in everyday life, making it easier to communicate time to others.
- More intuitive: The 12 hour clock is often more intuitive, with AM and PM clearly indicating morning and afternoon.
Disadvantages of the 12 Hour Clock
While the 12 hour clock is widely used, it also has some disadvantages, including:
- Confusion between AM and PM: It can be easy to confuse AM and PM, especially when writing times.
- Limited precision: The 12 hour clock is not as precise as the 24 hour clock, which can be a problem in certain situations, such as aviation or medicine.
Conclusion
The 12 hour clock is a widely used time-keeping system that is easy to understand and communicate. While it has some limitations, it remains an essential part of our daily lives. By understanding the basics of the 12 hour clock, you can better navigate your day and communicate with others more effectively.
