Final answer:
In trying to jump-start a car with batteries connected in series, identifying the correct terminals is essential. The cables must be connected to the positive of the first and negative of the last battery in series. Correct application of physics principles, like electrical circuits, is necessary to safely start the vehicle.
Step-by-step explanation:
When attempting to jump-start a car with a weak battery, it is crucial to correctly identify the positive and negative terminals, especially if the configuration is not straightforward. In the case of the car in Cuba with batteries connected in series, it means that there are multiple 6-V batteries connected to achieve a larger voltage, possibly 12-V if there are two in series. This could lead to many problems in starting the engine if not done correctly. To jump-start, one would need to connect the jumper cables to the positive terminal of the first battery and the negative terminal of the last one in the series to ensure the full 12-V is used. It's important to connect the cables properly to avoid short-circuit and potential damage. Moreover, much like the scenario described where a friend used a machine to lower an air-car, the principles of physics such as the conservation of energy or understanding electric circuits are crucial in everyday situations, such as dealing with vehicle issues.