Ion detector and GPS (satellite navigation): what they have in common

1. Step 1. Ion detector — is part of — Mass spectrometer. It counts the ions.
2. Step 2. Mass spectrometer — uses — Electromagnet. Deflecting ions with a field.
3. Step 3. Electromagnet — works like — Inductor. An inductor and an electromagnet are both coiled wire; current through them makes a magnetic field.
4. Step 4. Inductor — is part of — Oscillator. An LC circuit.
5. Step 5. Oscillator — is part of — Atomic clock. A quartz oscillator is tuned to the atoms.
6. Step 6. Atomic clock — is used in — GPS (satellite navigation). The satellites carry atomic clocks; the position is calculated from signal arrival times.

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