The clutch mechanism in your hub is sticking. if it's a bike with external gears try pulling the wheel from the frame, laying it with the sprocket side up and then shoot some WD-40 or similar thin oil into the hub, see if that will free something up. If that doesn't help take it to a bike shop.
a bike chain basically does two things: it transmits power from where the rider can easily deliver it to the rear Wheel it creates a gearing ratio between how fast the pedals turn and how fast the rear wheel turns. If wheel and pedals turn at the same speed, the overall speed for the bike becomes quite limited.
To transfer power from the pedals to where it can be used - the rear wheel.
It allows the chain to transfer power from the pedals to the rear (drive) wheel.
Penny Farthings didn't use chains, they were direct-drive, with the pedals bolted to the front Wheel axle.
because of the gear ratio and the chain
Wheel Seat Handlebars Chain Pedals
The bike chain gear system uses a chain to connect the pedals to the gears on the rear wheel. When you pedal, the chain moves and turns the gears, which in turn rotate the wheel, transferring power from your pedaling to the wheels, propelling the bike forward. Different gear combinations allow for varying levels of resistance and speed.
A bike chain works by connecting the pedals to the rear wheel through a series of gears and sprockets. When you pedal, the chain moves along the gears, transferring the power from your legs to the wheels, causing the bike to move forward.
To tighten the chain on a bike, first, shift the gears to the smallest chainring and smallest cog. Then, loosen the rear wheel nuts and move the wheel back slightly. Adjust the tension of the chain by pulling the wheel back evenly on both sides. Finally, tighten the rear wheel nuts securely and check the chain tension by spinning the pedals.
The bicycle chain sprocket is a key component that helps transfer power from the pedals to the wheels, allowing the bicycle to move forward. It works by engaging with the chain and rotating as the pedals are turned, ultimately driving the rear wheel and propelling the bike.
To tighten the chain on a bike with gears, first shift the gears to the smallest chainring and smallest cog. Then, loosen the rear wheel nuts slightly and pull the wheel back to tighten the chain. Make sure the chain is straight and re-tighten the wheel nuts. Check the chain tension by spinning the pedals and adjust as needed.
Putting weight on the forward pedals puts tension on the chain, which rotates the rear wheel and pushes the bike forward.