Hour

Definition

An hour is a unit of time equal to 60 minutes, or 3,600 seconds. It is not an SI unit but is widely used in both customary and scientific contexts. The canonical definition is based on the rotational period of the Earth.

History

The concept of dividing the day into hours dates back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians used a 12-hour system for day and night around 1500 BCE. The Greeks later adopted this system, and by the 14th century, mechanical clocks standardized the hour.

Uses

Hours are essential in everyday life for scheduling and time management. They are also utilized in scientific contexts for timing experiments and in engineering for processes requiring precise time measurements. Globally, hours are recognized for timekeeping in all regions.

Conversions

• 1 hour = 60 minutes
• 1 hour = 3,600 seconds
• 1 hour = 1/24 of a day

Fun Facts

• The term "hour" comes from the Latin "hora," which refers to a division of time.
• In some cultures, the division of time can differ; for example, some traditional Chinese timekeeping methods use a 2-hour system known as "Shichen."