Why does 12PM come after 11AM and 12AM come after 11PM?

The 12-hour clock system, which splits the day into two periods of 12 hours each, uses AM (Ante Meridiem) for the morning and PM (Post Meridiem) for the afternoon and evening. The confusion often arises between 12 AM and 12 PM, especially since 12 PM comes after 11 AM and 12 AM comes after 11 PM.

Answer: 12PM (noon) and 12AM (midnight) come after 11AM” and 11PM respectively to maintain a continuous 12-hour clock cycle.

This system is based on the Latin terms “Ante Meridiem” (before midday) and “Post Meridiem” (after midday). Midday is 12:00 noon, the point at which the sun is typically at its highest in the sky. Therefore, 12 PM (12:00 noon) is the beginning of the post-midday period. Conversely, midnight is 12:00 at night, and since it’s the start of a new day, it’s designated as 12 AM.

So, 12 PM follows 11 AM as it marks the transition from morning (AM) to afternoon (PM). Similarly, 12 AM follows 11 PM, signifying the end of one day and the start of another.