Polarity puzzel

[dave101a]

I am lost in the middle of a vast desert in my swim shorts. There is nothing anywhere around me as far as you can see. In front of me is a 12volt battery (say lead acid) with no markings or other indicators of polarity. there are 2 wires long enough to make a connection to the emergency tranmitter next to it, also 12 volt. If it is wired up wrong the transmitter will be destroyed instantly. If it is done right, then i will be rescued. How can i make the right choice.

 

[berkeman]

I am lost in the middle of a vast desert in my swim shorts. There is nothing anywhere around me as far as you can see. In front of me is a 12volt battery (say lead acid) with no markings or other indicators of polarity. there are 2 wires long enough to make a connection to the emergency tranmitter next to it, also 12 volt. If it is wired up wrong the transmitter will be destroyed instantly. If it is done right, then i will be rescued. How can i make the right choice.

I know the answer. PM me your answer to this so I can unlock the thread and let others answer. If this is homework or schoolwork, we can't let others give you the answer unless we know that you already have figured it out.