Question 1

What is a simple machine?

Accepted Answer

A simple machine is a tool that makes it easier to do work. Examples include levers, like a seesaw, or pulleys, like those used to lift a flag.

Question 2

How does a lever work?

Accepted Answer

A lever is a long stick or bar that pivots at a point called a fulcrum. When you push down on one end, the other end lifts up. Imagine using a seesaw or a bottle opener.

Question 3

What is a pulley?

Accepted Answer

A pulley is a wheel with a rope wrapped around it. It helps lift heavy things more easily by changing the direction of the force you use.

Question 4

How do gears work?

Accepted Answer

Gears are like wheels with teeth that fit together. When one gear turns, it makes the other gear turn, too, which can speed things up or make them stronger, like on a bike.

Question 5

What is a wheel and axle?

Accepted Answer

A wheel and axle is a simple machine where a wheel is attached to a rod (the axle). When you turn the wheel, the axle turns too, helping things move more easily, like on a cart.

Question 6

How does a screw work?

Accepted Answer

A screw is a twisted incline plane wrapped around a rod. When you turn it, it moves things up or down, like when you twist a jar lid.

Question 7

What is an inclined plane?

Accepted Answer

An inclined plane is a flat, slanted surface, like a ramp. It makes it easier to move something heavy up to a higher place using less effort.

Question 8

What is a wedge, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A wedge is a piece of material with a sharp edge that can split things apart. Think of a knife cutting through butter or an axe splitting wood.

Question 9

How does a car engine work?

Accepted Answer

A car engine burns fuel to make small explosions, pushing pistons up and down. This movement turns the wheels, making the car go.

Question 10

What makes a bicycle move?

Accepted Answer

A bicycle moves when you pedal, which turns the gears and chain. The chain moves the back wheel, propelling the bike forward.

Question 11

How do elevators go up and down?

Accepted Answer

Elevators move by using a system of pulleys and motors. The motor pulls or releases the cables connected to the elevator, making it go up or down.

Question 12

How does a washing machine clean clothes?

Accepted Answer

A washing machine uses water, soap, and a spinning drum to clean clothes. The drum twists back and forth, moving the clothes around to wash away dirt.

Question 13

What makes a fan spin?

Accepted Answer

A fan spins when electricity powers a motor inside it. The motor turns the blades, pushing air around to keep things cool.

Question 14

How does a toaster work?

Accepted Answer

A toaster heats up coils of wire inside it to cook the bread. Electric energy passes through the coils, making them red-hot and toasting the bread.

Question 15

What makes a light bulb light up?

Accepted Answer

A light bulb lights up when electricity flows through a tiny wire inside, called a filament. The electric flow heats the filament until it glows brightly.

Question 16

How do we control a remote car?

Accepted Answer

A remote car is controlled by sending signals from a remote control to the car. The signals tell the car's motor which way to move.

Question 17

How does a clock keep time?

Accepted Answer

A clock keeps time using a swinging pendulum or a tiny crystal that vibrates. These movements are counted to move the clock hands at the right speed.

Question 18

Why does a magnet stick to a fridge?

Accepted Answer

A magnet sticks to a fridge because the fridge door is made of metal, which is attracted to magnets. The pull between them keeps the magnet sticking.

Question 19

How do planes stay in the air?

Accepted Answer

Planes stay in the air because their wings are shaped to lift them up. Engines push the plane forward, while the wing design helps create lift, keeping the plane in the sky.

Question 20

How does a vacuum cleaner pick up dirt?

Accepted Answer

A vacuum cleaner picks up dirt by creating suction with a fan inside. The fan pulls air and dirt into the vacuum, trapping dirt in a bag or container.

The Mechanics of Everyday Machines - 20 FAQs Explained Simply