Surely you’ve heard of the magnetic hourglass before, right? Well, for those who don’t know yet, this is the new trendy accessory of recent years. Moreover, this hourglass model still continues to interest a good number of people today. But concretely, what is a magnetic hourglass? How it works ? What is better compared to other types of hourglass on the market?
You will also see that this hourglass is much more than just an instrument for measuring time. To know everything about this designer desk accessory , we invite you to read the rest of this article.
What is a magnetic hourglass?
The magnetic hourglass, as we know it, appeared much later. This time, the sand has been replaced by a much more practical material, fine magnetic iron filings. Since then, it has become a decorative element that is both fascinating and fun to look at. In short… a real feast for the eyes.
The magnetic hourglass is a revolutionary invention
At the time when the clock was not yet accessible to everyone, the hourglass has established itself as an essential everyday accessory. Even today, it continues to fascinate young and old. And the arrival of the magnetic hourglass has only increased all this enthusiasm. It is always surprising to see the iron grains of a magnetic hourglass pile up on top of each other. It is not only a particularly original decorative accessory but it is also an excellent gift idea.
The magnetic hourglass has the particularity of being able to hold grains of sand in weightlessness. In reality, it is the magnetic wooden base that holds them, pushes them and then lifts them until they create amazing shapes and iron stars. Unlike its predecessors, this ingenious model is not an invitation to play Times Up or Pictionary. For sure, you will take advantage of these 60 seconds to observe the works of art which take shape as if by magic before your eyes, like a modern kaleidoscope.
The concept of the magnetic hourglass
How does a magnetic hourglass work?
The manufacturers of the magnetic hourglass had the idea of developing an instrument capable of sculpting its own version of time in one minute. The principle then presents a rather philosophical dimension. The object is filled with iron filings, a so-called ferromagnetic material. It assumes that a magnetic field turns each particle into a small magnet. As a result, each of the particles stuck together end up making incredible patterns appear. It is by turning over the hourglass that we discover the magnet and the filings which fall on the magnetic field for one minute. It should however be known that when grains or gravels flow in a container, they undergo multiple interactions. They move, slide, rub and roll over each other in the greatest disorder.the flow of the sand remains surprisingly constant and this, practically until the end of the flow.
Water clock or hourglass?
The clepsydra has its origins in antiquity. It was at that time one of the most effective means of measuring time.Moreover, its principle of operation was very simple. It was then enough to gather two basins connected by a hole: it is the Athenian clepsydra. However, the model had a major problem. The flow of liquid inside was not always constant and precise. In this process, the flow generally varies according to the remaining water level. The invention of the hourglass thus made it possible to remedy the errors of the water clock. Introduced in Europe during the Middle Ages, it has considerably simplified the work of sailors who appreciate it above all for its stability. And that is understandable because only a constant flow speed can measure intermediate times.
In principle, the operation of the clepsydra is practically identical to that of the hourglass. The difference between the two is mainly aesthetic. It should also be noted that the Clepsydra contains water while the hourglass is obviously made of sand. However, it is considered that the physics relating to the flow of sand is particularly complex. It is thus quite difficult to explain the process even if it remains an important subject. This process is also frequently used in geophysics and in certain industrial processes. In recent years, a good number of French scientists have carried out work on the physics of granular flows. It is undeniable that new applications will be brought to the device in the near future.
Torricelli’s law for water
To determine the flow of a clepsydra, it is necessary to resort to the law of Torricelli. In order to verify that the flow velocity depends on the height of the water, it suffices to do a little experiment. Take a large water bottle, drill three holes in it at three different heights and observe what happens. You will find that the lower the hole is in the column, the stronger the water jet. It was in the 17th century that the Italian physicist Evangelista Torricelli brought this law to light. He had calculated the variation in flow in relation to the height of water. More simply, this principle assumes that the speed increases with the pressure at the bottom of the column.
Beveloo’s law or the flow of an hourglass
Regarding the hourglass, the process is both obvious but complicated. And the magnetic hourglass is no exception. Indeed, the height of sand has no influence on its flow velocity. The only way to find a law applicable to sand is a dimensional analysis. To do this, you simply have to look at the quantities available and those that you would like to obtain. Therefore, the variables that come into play are gravity and the radius of the hole. In its modern version, this Beverloo’s law assumes that the flow velocity of sand is similar to that of a column of sand of height R. Thus, even if sand is added at the top, the pressure at the bottom does not increase not.
To fully understand Beverloo’s law, it may be of interest to resort to observations relating to granular flow. The arch theory is one of the most effective methods. This theory assumes that the sand contained in a cylinder does not behave in the same way as water. By adding extra sand to the top of the column, the pressure will not build up at the bottom of the column. This is simply explained by the fact that the intermediate grains rub against the walls of the cylinder. This friction process is at the origin of the formation of arches. These structures look like keystones that will support the sand higher in the column. However, this application remains quite difficult to identify and implement,
How to use a magnetic hourglass?
Besides the fact that it is an ultra-trendy decorative object, the hourglass itself has different attractions. It stands out as a practical and space-saving tool. On a boat in the middle of a storm, for example, it is very effective in calculating the navigation speed. In the Middle Ages important people used it to know the time of prayer. It is used in exactly the same way as any type of conventional hourglass. That is to say that you must first wait until the top bulb is completely empty. Once it’s done, you just need to flip the hourglass in one motion and the opposing iron powder will slowly flow into the empty bulb.
Why choose a magnetic hourglass?
The magnetic hourglass is undeniably a very nice gift idea. Apart from the aesthetic argument, it also has a good number of points of interest. It is a fun tool that effectively contributes to the learning of time management for children. They will take pleasure in using the hourglass to play within an allotted time. In case you didn’t know, watching the flow of iron filings from the magnetic hourglass would also have soothing properties. If you’re interested, you can even meditate mindfully while the powder slowly drips.
The magnetic hourglass can also be an excellent playmate, instead of a stopwatch. And that goes for kids and adults alike. In addition, the object encourages the process of concentration over short periods of time and avoids having to procrastinate. Finally, becoming aware of the flow of seconds and minutes also has a very significant philosophical dimension.
Unsuspected applications of the hourglass
You may not have known it, but the magnetic hourglass would also have unsuspected virtues. In a couple, for example, it would seem that it is an instrument that can help reconnect. Becoming aware of the passage of time through the grains of iron makes it possible to make visible the elusive. This presupposes learning and a different perception of time depending on the feelings and thoughts of the user . Symbolically, you will have the opportunity to virtually make a moment of joy last by setting the magnetic hourglass. We don’t always understand it, but above all it helps to pass the time and be patient. When you are busy and you are asked by your child, this is the ideal alternative to make him wait in peace.
Sleep peacefully with the magnetic hourglass
More and more scientists attribute a soothing, even hypnotic effect to the action of the magnetic hourglass . Watching the flow of iron filings has been shown to have relaxing properties. However, it is also possible to add an unexpected functionality to the object for the bedtime ritual. Indeed, by channeling your negative thoughts and worries through an hourglass, you manage to get rid of them. And of course, who says “less stress” necessarily says “better sleep”. If you succeed, you can even introduce your loved ones to this anti-stress technique by giving them a magnetic hourglass.
The disadvantages of the magnetic hourglass
Despite undeniable advantages, the magnetic hourglass has some disadvantages. The most recurrent remains the wear of the tube connecting the two bubbles. Surprisingly, the horizontal position of the hourglass is not always accommodating, apart from the need to turn the object over at regular intervals. This is a non-negligible constraint insofar as the operation is unavoidable in order to accurately measure relatively short durations. This last point represents a limit to the operation of the hourglass. Since only short durations can be measured, the user is not immune to careless errors.
Several factors can affect the flow time of the powder inside. But the most common is undoubtedly the proximity to a nearby magnetic field. And yes, we tend to forget it but the iron powder flows mainly thanks to the magnets placed under the base of the hourglass. Therefore, bringing the magnetic hourglass close to other magnetic objects may influence or even slow down the flow of the powder.
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