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Chapter 18: Problem 29

When jump-starting a car with a dead battery, the ground jumper should be attached to a remote part of the engine block. Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
When jump-starting a car with a dead battery, the ground jumper should be attached to a remote part of the engine block or chassis to minimize the risk of sparks igniting flammable hydrogen gas produced by the battery. This connection point provides adequate connection to the electrical system and completes the necessary circuit for jump-starting while ensuring a safer process.

Step by step solution

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1. Understand the jump-starting process

When jump-starting a car with a dead battery, one needs a working battery from another vehicle or a portable jump-starter. The process involves connecting jumper cables from the good battery to the dead battery to provide the required electrical energy. The positive terminals of both batteries are connected with a positive (+) jumper cable, whereas the ground jumpers (-) need to be connected in a specific manner.
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2. Importance of safely attaching the ground jumper

Safety is crucial when dealing with car batteries, as they contain acids and can produce highly flammable hydrogen gas, which can be ignited by sparks. When attaching jumper cables, a spark is usually generated, especially when connecting the ground jumper. Therefore, it is vital to minimize the risk of igniting hydrogen gas coming from the dead battery.
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3. Location for ground jumper connection

To minimize the risk of a spark igniting hydrogen gas near the dead battery, the ground jumper should not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery. Instead, it should be attached to a remote, unpainted metal part of the engine block or chassis, away from the dead battery, as well as the carburetor or any fuel lines.
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4. Why connect the ground jumper to the engine block

Connecting the ground jumper to the engine block or chassis provides an adequate connection to the electrical system and completes the electrical circuit necessary for jump-starting the car. Additionally, since this connection point is far from the dead battery, it reduces the risk of sparks igniting hydrogen gas, making the process significantly safer. In conclusion, when jump-starting a car with a dead battery, it is important to attach the ground jumper to a remote part of the engine block or chassis to ensure safety and avoid potential hazards during the process. This precaution helps minimize the risk of igniting flammable hydrogen gas and ensures a safe and effective jump-starting procedure.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Consider the following galvanic cell: What happens to \(\mathscr{E}\) as the concentration of \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\) is increased? As the concentration of \(\mathrm{Ag}^{+}\) is increased? What happens to \(\mathscr{E}^{\circ}\) in these cases?

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