Question 1

Why does baking soda help clean things?

Accepted Answer

Baking soda is a bit like tiny scrubbers. It helps scrub dirt away and can make bad smells disappear too.

Question 2

How does soap get rid of germs?

Accepted Answer

Soap makes dirt and germs slide off your hands. When you rinse, the water carries all the dirt and germs away.

Question 3

Why does vinegar smell so strong?

Accepted Answer

Vinegar has something in it called acetic acid. This gives it a strong smell, but it's also what helps clean stains and dirt.

Question 4

How do air fresheners make rooms smell good?

Accepted Answer

Air fresheners have tiny perfume-like things called fragrances. When you spray them, they spread out and make the room smell nice.

Question 5

Why do some fruits turn brown when you cut them?

Accepted Answer

When you cut fruits, air touches the inside causing a reaction. This makes them turn brown, like how apples turn brown after being sliced.

Question 6

How do dishwashing liquids clean oily dishes?

Accepted Answer

Dishwashing liquids break down the oil into tiny pieces. This helps water wash the oil away.

Question 7

Why do candles melt when you light them?

Accepted Answer

Candles are made of wax, which melts when it gets hot. As the wax melts, it turns into liquid and the candle flame uses it to keep burning.

Question 8

How does bleach make clothes whiter?

Accepted Answer

Bleach helps remove stains and dirt that are making clothes look dull. It’s like erasing marks so the clothes look brighter and cleaner.

Question 9

Why do soda drinks fizz when opened?

Accepted Answer

Soda has tiny bubbles of gas trapped inside. When you open the bottle, the gas rushes out, making bubbles and fizz.

Question 10

How does toothpaste help keep teeth clean?

Accepted Answer

Toothpaste has tiny rough bits that scrape away food and germs. It also has things to protect teeth from cavities.

Question 11

Why does cutting an onion make you cry?

Accepted Answer

When you cut an onion, it releases a gas that can irritate your eyes. It makes your eyes water to wash the feeling away.

Question 12

How do mothballs keep bugs away?

Accepted Answer

Mothballs have a strong smell that bugs don’t like. It keeps them from landing on your clothes.

Question 13

Why does bread dough rise?

Accepted Answer

Bread dough rises because of something called yeast. Yeast makes tiny bubbles that make the dough grow bigger.

Question 14

How do batteries make things work?

Accepted Answer

Batteries store energy that they let out as electricity. This electricity moves through wires and makes things work like toys and flashlights.

Question 15

How does glue stick things together?

Accepted Answer

Glue can hold things together because it fills in the spaces and then dries to form a strong bond. It's like making two things become one.

Question 16

How does sugar dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Sugar disappears in water because tiny parts of sugar mix completely with the water. It’s like sugar and water become friends and mix perfectly.

Question 17

Why do we put salt on icy roads?

Accepted Answer

Salt can melt ice by lowering its freezing point. This helps make the roads safer to drive on because it turns ice into water.

Question 18

How does lemon juice remove stains?

Accepted Answer

Lemon juice has something called acid that fights stains. It helps break down the stain making it easier to wash away.

Question 19

Why does aluminum foil keep food hot?

Accepted Answer

Aluminum foil wraps food tightly and stops heat from escaping. This keeps the food warm longer, like a tiny sleeping bag for your meal.

Question 20

How do antacids help with a stomachache?

Accepted Answer

Antacids have special chemicals that make stomach acid less bubbly. This helps calm your stomach to feel better.

The Chemistry of Everyday Household Products - 20 FAQs Explained Simply