Question 1

What are forces?

Accepted Answer

Forces are pushes or pulls. They make things move, stop, or change direction.

Question 2

What is motion?

Accepted Answer

Motion is when something is moving. It can be moving faster, slower, or even changing direction.

Question 3

Why do things fall down?

Accepted Answer

Things fall down because of gravity. Gravity is a force that pulls everything towards the ground.

Question 4

How do we ride a bike?

Accepted Answer

We ride a bike by pushing the pedals with our feet. This creates a force that makes the bike move forward.

Question 5

What makes a car go?

Accepted Answer

A car moves because the engine creates a force that turns the wheels. This pushes the car forward on the road.

Question 6

Why do we slow down when we stop running?

Accepted Answer

We slow down because of friction, which is a force that happens when two surfaces rub together. It makes us stop moving.

Question 7

What keeps a ball rolling?

Accepted Answer

A ball keeps rolling because it has some energy left from when it was pushed. It will keep going until friction and gravity make it stop.

Question 8

How does a plane stay in the air?

Accepted Answer

A plane stays in the air because the wings shape the air to create lift. Lift is a force that pushes the plane up, fighting against gravity.

Question 9

Why do we use seatbelts in cars?

Accepted Answer

Seatbelts help keep us safe by stopping us from flying forward if the car stops suddenly. They hold us in place with a force called tension.

Question 10

Why do magnets stick to the fridge?

Accepted Answer

Magnets stick to the fridge because of a special force called magnetism. This force attracts the metal in the fridge door.

Question 11

How does a swing move back and forth?

Accepted Answer

A swing moves back and forth because of a force that you create when you push it or kick your legs. Gravity helps it come back down.

Question 12

What makes a balloon float?

Accepted Answer

A balloon floats because it's filled with lighter-than-air gases like helium. This makes it rise against gravity's pull.

Question 13

How does a boat float on water?

Accepted Answer

A boat floats because it pushes water away with its shape. This creates an upward force called buoyancy, keeping it on top of the water.

Question 14

Why does ice slide on slick surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Ice slides on slick surfaces because there's less friction. Less friction means it's easier for the ice to move across the surface.

Question 15

Why do we need to wear helmets when biking?

Accepted Answer

Helmets protect our heads by absorbing the force from a fall or hit. They can keep us safe if we have an accident.

Question 16

What makes a seesaw move up and down?

Accepted Answer

A seesaw goes up and down because when one side is pushed down, it makes the other side go up. This is due to the force of your weight and balance.

Question 17

How do rubber bands stretch?

Accepted Answer

Rubber bands stretch when you pull them because they are elastic. This means they can change shape when a force is applied.

Question 18

Why do we slip on ice?

Accepted Answer

We slip on ice because the surface is smooth and there's little friction. That makes it hard for our feet to grip the ground.

Question 19

Why does a toy car slow down on carpet?

Accepted Answer

A toy car slows down on carpet because there's more friction than on a smooth surface. This extra friction uses up the car's energy and slows it down.

Question 20

How can a kite stay in the sky?

Accepted Answer

A kite stays in the sky because the wind pushes it up. The string helps guide it, so it balances in the air.

The Physics of Everyday Objects: Understanding Forces and Motion - 20 FAQs Explained Simply