Question 1

How do bicycles move forward?

Accepted Answer

When you pedal a bicycle, you are pushing the pedals in a circle. This makes the wheels turn and helps the bike move forward. It's like turning a handle to wind a toy car, but you're doing it with your feet!

Question 2

Why don't cars fly off the road when they go around a curve?

Accepted Answer

Cars don't fly off the road because of a force called friction between the tires and the road. This friction helps the car grip the road and stay on it, even when going in circles.

Question 3

Why do buses stop so smoothly?

Accepted Answer

Buses stop smoothly because of brakes that slow down the wheels gradually. The driver also helps by pressing the brake pedal gently, making sure everyone inside feels comfortable.

Question 4

How do airplanes fly?

Accepted Answer

Airplanes fly because their wings are shaped to push air down and create lift. The engines help move the plane forward, and the wings lift it up into the air.

Question 5

Why do skateboards slow down on rough ground?

Accepted Answer

Skateboards slow down on rough ground because the bumps create more friction with the wheels. This extra friction makes it harder for the wheels to spin fast.

Question 6

What makes trains stay on their tracks?

Accepted Answer

Trains stay on tracks because their wheels have a special shape. The wheels are made to fit perfectly on the rails so they don't slip off, even when going fast.

Question 7

Why do boats float on water?

Accepted Answer

Boats float because they push water out of the way, and the water pushes back, keeping them up. This force is called buoyancy and helps boats stay on top of the water.

Question 8

How do cars move when you press the gas pedal?

Accepted Answer

When you press the gas pedal, it sends fuel to the engine. The engine uses the fuel to make the car's wheels spin, pushing the car forward.

Question 9

Why do helicopters have spinning blades?

Accepted Answer

Helicopters have spinning blades called rotors that push air down. This lifts the helicopter into the air, just like an airplane but in a different way.

Question 10

How do hot air balloons go up?

Accepted Answer

Hot air balloons go up because hot air is lighter than cold air. Inside the balloon, air is heated up, making it rise high into the sky.

Question 11

Why do submarines sink and float?

Accepted Answer

Submarines sink and float by changing their weight. They can fill or empty tanks with water to become heavier and sink or lighter and float.

Question 12

Why does a train horn sound louder as it gets closer?

Accepted Answer

A train horn sounds louder as it gets closer because sound waves are compressed ahead of it. Once it passes, the waves spread out, and the sound seems quieter.

Question 13

How do scooters move when you push with your foot?

Accepted Answer

Scooters move because when you push off the ground with your foot, you give it a little kick. This small push starts the scooter rolling forward.

Question 14

Why do you need to wear a seatbelt in a car?

Accepted Answer

You need to wear a seatbelt to stay safe. It holds you in place if the car stops suddenly, so you don't get hurt by moving too much.

Question 15

How do traffic lights know when to change colors?

Accepted Answer

Traffic lights change colors based on timers or sensors. Sometimes a machine or computer decides when to change the lights at intersections.

Question 16

Why do cars have round wheels?

Accepted Answer

Cars have round wheels because they roll easily and smoothly. Round shapes help the car move without getting stuck or needing too much energy.

Question 17

How do trains turn on tracks?

Accepted Answer

Trains turn on tracks using special curved rails. The wheels are also designed to turn slightly while staying on the rail path.

Question 18

Why do boats have propellers?

Accepted Answer

Boats have propellers to push water backward. This makes the boat move forward, kind of like paddling a canoe with oars.

Question 19

How do parachutes help people land safely?

Accepted Answer

Parachutes help people land safely by catching air, which slows them down. They work like big umbrellas that float slowly down to the ground.

Question 20

Why do cars get faster on downhill roads?

Accepted Answer

Cars get faster on downhill roads because gravity pulls them down the slope. This makes them go faster without needing much engine power.

The Physics of Everyday Transportation - 20 FAQs Explained Simply