Introduction
AM PM is a common term that we use in our daily lives, particularly while referring to time. However, not everyone is aware of what it means or its full form. In this article, we will discuss the AM PM full form and its usage.
What is AM?
AM stands for Ante Meridiem, which is a Latin term that means "before noon." It is used to refer to the time between midnight and noon. In the 12-hour clock system, the time between 12:00 midnight and 12:00 noon is referred to as AM.
What is PM?
PM stands for Post Meridiem, which is a Latin term that means "after noon." It is used to refer to the time between noon and midnight. In the 12-hour clock system, the time between 12:00 noon and 12:00 midnight is referred to as PM.
History of AM PM
The use of AM PM can be traced back to the early Roman Empire, where the day was divided into 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. However, it was the Egyptians who first divided the day into 24 hours. The use of AM PM became popular in the 16th century when mechanical clocks were invented.
Usage of AM PM
The 12-hour clock system is widely used in the United States, Canada, and other English-speaking countries. In these countries, people use AM PM to distinguish between the time of day. For example, 3:00 PM means three o'clock in the afternoon, while 3:00 AM means three o'clock in the morning.
Advantages of AM PM
The use of AM PM is beneficial, particularly for people who are not familiar with the 24-hour clock system. It helps people to distinguish between morning and evening hours easily. The 12-hour clock system is also useful for scheduling appointments, meetings, and events.
Disadvantages of AM PM
The 12-hour clock system has some disadvantages as well. It can be confusing for people who are not familiar with it, particularly when they travel to countries that use the 24-hour clock system. Moreover, the use of AM and PM can also lead to miscommunication, especially in a globalized world where people from different countries and cultures interact frequently.
How to Convert AM PM to 24-hour Clock System
Converting AM PM to the 24-hour clock system is quite simple. To convert AM to the 24-hour clock system, you need to add 12 to the hour. For example, 9:00 AM would be 09:00 in the 24-hour clock system. To convert PM to the 24-hour clock system, you need to add 12 to the hour as well. For example, 3:00 PM would be 15:00 in the 24-hour clock system.
Conclusion
AM PM is a widely used term that helps people to distinguish between morning and evening hours. It is essential to understand its full form and usage, particularly in countries that use the 12-hour clock system. Although it has some advantages, it also has some disadvantages. Therefore, it is essential to be familiar with the 24-hour clock system as well to avoid miscommunication.