Question 1

How does a light bulb work?

Accepted Answer

A light bulb works when electricity flows through a tiny wire inside, which makes it glow and give off light. This wire is called a filament. The glass around it keeps the air out so the wire doesn’t burn up right away.

Question 2

Why does a wheel spin?

Accepted Answer

A wheel spins because it is round, which lets it roll smoothly over surfaces. When you push a wheel, it rolls because its shape makes it easy to turn. This helps things move faster and with less effort.

Question 3

Why do doors have hinges?

Accepted Answer

Doors have hinges to let them open and close easily. Hinges are like joints for doors, letting them move in one direction. Without hinges, doors would be hard to move.

Question 4

How does a zipper work?

Accepted Answer

A zipper works by interlocking tiny metal or plastic teeth that are lined up when you pull the zipper slider up. The slider brings the teeth together or apart, opening or closing the zipper. It's like two rows of tiny hands holding onto each other.

Question 5

How does a toilet flush?

Accepted Answer

When you flush a toilet, the handle lifts a flapper inside the tank, releasing water into the bowl. This water pushes everything in the bowl down the pipes. The flapper then drops back, and the tank refills with water for the next flush.

Question 6

Why does a balloon float?

Accepted Answer

A balloon can float when it’s filled with a gas that’s lighter than air, like helium. This lighter gas makes the balloon rise, just like a bubble rises in water. If you fill a balloon with just air, it won’t float because it’s not lighter than the air around it.

Question 7

How do scissors cut things?

Accepted Answer

Scissors cut things by using two sharp blades that slide past each other. When you squeeze the handles, the blades come together and cut through paper or fabric. This action is similar to two knives coming together to slice through something.

Question 8

How does an umbrella protect you from rain?

Accepted Answer

An umbrella protects you by spreading a fabric cover over your head. The fabric is usually waterproof, so it stops rain from getting through. It’s like a little roof you carry with you.

Question 9

How do magnets stick to a fridge?

Accepted Answer

Magnets stick to a fridge because they can attract certain metals. The fridge door is made of a metal that magnets like. The magnet pulls itself toward the metal, sticking firmly until you pull it off.

Question 10

Why do pencils have erasers?

Accepted Answer

Pencils have erasers so you can fix mistakes when you write. The eraser rubs away the pencil marks on the paper. It’s like a little brush that cleans up the writing.

Question 11

How do straws work?

Accepted Answer

Straws work by letting you suck liquid up into your mouth. When you suck on the straw, you create a vacuum that pulls the liquid upwards. It’s like using a tube to lift up a drink.

Question 12

Why do clocks have hands?

Accepted Answer

Clocks have hands to show you what time it is. The shorter hand shows the hour, and the longer hand shows the minutes. They move around the clock face to tell time, like counters on a game board.

Question 13

How does a fan cool you down?

Accepted Answer

A fan cools you down by moving air around. The blowing air helps sweat on your skin evaporate, making you feel cooler. It’s like a breeze on a hot day.

Question 14

How does a key open a lock?

Accepted Answer

A key opens a lock by fitting into it and moving parts inside called pins. When the pins line up just right, the lock can turn and open. It’s like solving a little puzzle that only the correct key can unlock.

Question 15

Why do cars have brakes?

Accepted Answer

Cars have brakes to slow down or stop. When you press the brake pedal, it makes parts inside the car touch the wheels to slow their spinning. This helps the car stop safely.

Question 16

How does a glue stick hold things together?

Accepted Answer

A glue stick holds things together by leaving a sticky layer on the surfaces you want to join. When you press the surfaces together, the glue grips them. It’s like plastering honey between two pieces of paper.

Question 17

How does a flashlight work?

Accepted Answer

A flashlight works by using batteries to power a tiny bulb or LED that gives off light. When you switch it on, electricity from the batteries makes the bulb light up. It’s like having a tiny sun in your hand powered by a big battery.

Question 18

Why do we use pillows?

Accepted Answer

We use pillows to make our heads comfortable when we sleep. Pillows soften and support our heads, neck, and shoulders. It feels like resting your head on a soft, fluffy cloud.

Question 19

How does a toaster toast bread?

Accepted Answer

A toaster toasts bread by using electric heaters inside to warm it. The heat turns the bread a golden brown and makes it crispy. It’s like putting bread near a campfire.

Question 20

How do sunglasses protect your eyes?

Accepted Answer

Sunglasses protect your eyes by blocking some of the sunlight out. They have special lenses that filter bright light and harmful rays. It’s like wearing a sun visor on your face.

The Mechanics of Everyday Objects - 20 FAQs Explained Simply