Final answer:
The main difference between a wristwatch and a clock is the mechanism they use to measure time — a wristwatch uses a balance wheel and spring, whereas a clock may use a pendulum. Clocks are affected by temperature changes and require a steady base, unlike wristwatches. Both devices need to account for Earth's rotation and the solar day for accurate timekeeping.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between a wristwatch and a clock typically relates to their mechanisms for measuring time. Wristwatches, especially non-electronic ones, often rely on a balance wheel and a spring to regulate the movement of the hands. On the other hand, larger clocks, such as pendulum clocks, use the swinging of a pendulum to keep time—though pendulum clocks are unsuitable for places with lots of movement, like ships at sea, due to their reliance on a steady base.
An important aspect of time measurement for both devices is based on the rotation of Earth and the solar day. However, due to the elliptical nature of Earth's orbit and other factors, 'clock time' can differ from 'sundial time'—a natural measure of time based on Earth's rotation and the position of the sun. This requires standardization across time zones and adjustments like daylight saving time to maintain consistency in timekeeping.
Moreover, changes in temperature can affect the length of a pendulum in a clock, causing it to run too fast in the summer when materials expand, and too slow in winter when they contract. Wristwatches do not tend to have this issue because their balance wheel and spring mechanism are less affected by temperature changes.