Why do we use a 12-hour clock instead of 24?

Anyway, as near as I can tell, the 12-hour clock goes way back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. The Egyptians used a 12-hour sundial to tell time during the daytime and a 12-hour water clock at night. Early mechanical clocks showed all 24 hours, but over time, clockmakers found the 12-hour system simpler and cheaper.

Why is time divided into 12 hours?

This division reflected Egypt’s use of the duodecimal system–the importance of the number 12 is typically attributed either to the fact that it equals the number of lunar cycles in a year or the number of finger joints on each hand (three in each of the four fingers, excluding the thumb), making it possible to count …

Why is 24-hour time better?

The reason airlines, public transit and the armed forces use 24-hour “military” time is to avoid confusion between a.m. and p.m. hours. You can take the same approach with your cell phone’s clock settings to avoid accidentally setting your morning alarm at an afternoon hour.

Why do we divide the day into 24 hours?

Our 24-hour day comes from the ancient Egyptians who divided day-time into 10 hours they measured with devices such as shadow clocks, and added a twilight hour at the beginning and another one at the end of the day-time, says Lomb. “Night-time was divided in 12 hours, based on the observations of stars.

Why should we use a 24-hour clock to record time?

The 24 hour, or military clock, is widely used among scientists to avoid the confusion of the standard AM-PM system. 3. Mathematical manipulations are easier when using the 24 hour system. We tend to take time and our A.M.-P.M. system of marking time for granted.

Are 12-hour shifts more productive?

Because you have more days off, morale and productivity tend to increase with the 12-hour workday. In addition, 12-hour shifts allow more time to complete lengthy tasks, which can help you feel satisfied with the amount of work you accomplish at the end of the workday.