A 12V 3.5Ah battery cannot support a 120V 4.7A motor, as the voltage conversion would require a significantly higher current at 12V, leading to rapid depletion of the battery. It is recommended to use a 120V battery with at least 5Ah capacity for adequate backup. The discussion highlights that while some batteries can handle high currents for short durations, the 3.5Ah battery is not suitable for this application. Electric motors can be either DC or AC, with most small household motors being non-synchronous AC and larger industrial motors typically being synchronous AC. Understanding the specifications and requirements of both the battery and motor is crucial for effective operation.