What is a clutch and what is its purpose?

Question

i'm asking this because i didn't get my permit when i was 15 and i'm getting it now. I've been studying alot but i don't understand fully what a clutch is and its purpose.

no rude answers please.

thanks!

Answer 1

its a power take off lets you disengage power so you can stay running when stopped and apply power to get going and apply different ranges of gearing as it is running

Answer 2

in a standard car (not automatic transmission)

it helps you change gears... go from 1st gear to 2nd gear.. or   from neutral to 1st gear or neutral to reverse... etc... (2nd to 3rd)

it is another pedal next to the brake (on the left of the brake) and the gas pedal is on the right of the brake.