The use of the pendulum in timekeeping

A pendulum keeps time by swinging back and forth at a regular, consistent rate, known as its period. Its motion depends on gravity and its length—longer pendulums swing more slowly, shorter ones faster. In clocks, the pendulum's consistent swings regulate the movement of gears and hands, ensuring accurate time measurement. By harnessing this regularity, pendulum clocks achieve a high level of precision, making them reliable tools for keeping time before the advent of modern electronic devices.