A sudden push from one or two persons may not provide enough force over a sufficient duration to change the car’s momentum significantly. However, a continuous push over time allows for a gradual increase in momentum, eventually reaching the required speed to start the car’s engine.
Why does a sudden push from one or two persons fail to start a car with a dead battery, whereas a continuous push over some time gradually accelerates the car?
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A sudden push from one or two persons may not start a car with a dead battery because the force applied in a brief moment doesn’t provide enough impulse to overcome the static friction between the engine components. Starting a car involves overcoming initial resistance. However, a continuous push over some time gradually accelerates the car because a sustained force over an extended period increases the total impulse, helping overcome static friction and initiate the motion of engine components. The continuous push allows for a more effective transfer of energy, eventually surpassing the static friction and enabling the car to start.