The first atomic clock was developed in 1949 by the National Bureau of Standards and was based on the ammonia molecule. Atomic clocks rely on the periodic radiation of certain atoms like cesium, hydrogen, and rubidium to keep extremely accurate time. Atomic clocks have had a significant impact in areas like navigation, GPS, radio astronomy, and space exploration by providing a precise time standard regardless of location.

1. Schartz Atomic Clocks

2. Interesting facts First atomic clock developed in 1949 Created by the National Bureau of Standards Based on the ammonia molecule. Every clock with the same isotope Measures time the same Is the same regardless of location Most are Radio controlled clocks

3. Atoms used Relies on the periodic radiation of certain atoms. 3 commonly used elements: Cesium Most Accurate Longest stability Hydrogen Median between Cesium and Rubidium Rubidium Cheapest Most compact

4. Impact Navigation GPS (More accurate) Radio Astronomy Several telescopes to synchronize Regardless of location Space Exploration Doppler tracking

5. Scientific Principles Vibrations and Waves Energy Translated by Waves Wave Motion Mathematical Representation of a Traveling Wave Simple Harmonic Motion Quantum Mechanics

6. What types of discoveries/technologies/inventions were necessary to reach this point? Necessary Atomic particles Radio waves Electricity Improved LED Advancements in Metallurgy Plastics

7. What if it was never invented? GPS Inaccurate/unreliable Communication Not as advanced Astronomy Radio telescopes inaccurate

8. Bibliography Cessium picture from Americanelements.com Rubidium picture from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dnn87 Clock Picture from http://www.clocklordblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/atomic-clock.jpg Clocks. (2008). In P. J. Bungert & A. J. Darnay (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Products & Industries - Manufacturing , (Vol. 1). (pp. 239-246) Detroit: Gale Retrieved February 7, 2010, from Gale Virtual Reference Library via Gale: http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?p=GVRL&u=stil34938 Itano, W. M. (2007). Atomic Clock. In McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology , (Vol. 2). (10 th ed., pp. 369-372) New York: McGraw-Hill Retrieved February 7, 2010, from Gale Virtual Reference Library via Gale: http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?p=GVRL&u=stil34938 Galleon Systems, . (2006). Atomic clock information . Retrieved from http://www.atomic-clock.galleon.eu.com/atomic-clock/atomic-clock.htm