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Why does smacking an unresponsive remote control make it work?

Mark Sterling
Mark Sterling
Research Editor · Feb 2, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026

Your remote control may have what's called an *intermittent contact* where some of the metal bits may no longer touch each other well enough to transmit electricity. Smacking it can make them touch better, making the circuitry work.

38
Words

1 min
Read Time

#367
of 500 in History

-47%
vs Category Avg

The Short Answer

Your remote control may have what's called an *intermittent contact* where some of the metal bits may no longer touch each other well enough to transmit electricity. Smacking it can make them touch better, making the circuitry work.

Analysis

Key Concepts: Touch, remote, control

This explanation focuses on touch, remote, control and spans 38 words across 2 sentences. At 47% below the average History explanation (72 words), the answer takes a direct, no-frills approach — sometimes the simplest explanation is the most effective.

What This Answer Covers

This is a focused, single-point answer that gets directly to the core of the question without detours.

How This Compares in History

Ranked #367 of 500 History questions by answer depth (top 74%). This is in the concise tier — a focused explanation that prioritizes clarity over exhaustiveness. Many readers prefer this level of directness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple explanation for why smacking an unresponsive remote control make it work?

Your remote control may have what's called an *intermittent contact* where some of the metal bits may no longer touch each other well enough to transmit electricity. Smacking it can make them touch better, making the circuitry work.

How detailed is this explanation compared to similar History questions?

This is a focused answer at 38 words, ranked #367 of 500 History questions by depth. The key concepts covered are touch, remote, control.

What approach does this answer take to explain smacking an unresponsive remote control make it work?

The explanation uses direct explanation across 38 words. It is categorized under History and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.