Multiple choice general knowledge

These were used to measure time on ships?

  1. Sundials

  2. Waterclocks

  3. Incense sticks

  4. Hourglasses
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Hourglasses were the primary timekeeping device on ships during the Age of Sail. They were ideal because they didn't depend on sunlight (unlike sundials), weren't affected by a ship's motion (unlike waterclocks), and wouldn't blow out (unlike incense). Sailors used them to time watch shifts, with the ship's bell system based on 30-minute hourglass intervals.

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