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Which consequence resulted from thermal expansion within the gear train of early marine chronometers during transoceanic voyages?

A)Drift in timekeeping accuracy
B)Fracture of balance spring pivots
C)Seizure of the winding mechanism
D)Corrosion from saltwater intrusion

💡 Explanation

When temperatures varied during long voyages, differential thermal expansion between dissimilar metals in the chronometer's gear train caused subtle changes in gear meshing and moment of inertia, resulting in a drift in accuracy because of altered oscillation rates. Therefore timekeeping drift results, rather than fracture, seizure, or corrosion, which require greater physical stress or exposure.

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