Question 1

How does a spinning top stay upright?

Accepted Answer

When you spin a top, it stays upright because of something called 'spin stability'. The spinning keeps it balanced, kind of like how a bicycle stays up when it moves.

Question 2

Why does a yo-yo go up and down?

Accepted Answer

A yo-yo goes up and down because of the force you put into pulling the string and how gravity pulls it down. When you throw it, gravity pulls it down, and when it unwinds, it uses some of that energy to wind back up.

Question 3

How do magnets make toy trains move?

Accepted Answer

Magnets make toy trains move because they push and pull using magnetic force. The magnet underneath the train and the magnets on the track can push the train along without touching.

Question 4

Why do balloons pop when you squeeze them?

Accepted Answer

Balloons pop when you squeeze them because the air inside is pushing against the balloon walls. When you squeeze, there's too much pressure, and the balloon bursts.

Question 5

How does a seesaw work?

Accepted Answer

A seesaw works by using balance and gravity. When someone sits on one end, it goes down because of their weight, and the other end goes up!

Question 6

Why does a ball bounce?

Accepted Answer

A ball bounces because when it hits the ground, it squishes a bit and then pushes back out. This push sends it back up into the air.

Question 7

How do kites fly?

Accepted Answer

Kites fly when the wind pushes against them and lifts them up. The string helps you control how high or low the kite goes by changing its direction.

Question 8

What makes toy cars move fast when you pull them back?

Accepted Answer

Pull-back toy cars move fast because they have a spring inside that winds up when you pull the car back. When you let go, the spring unwinds quickly, making the car zoom forward.

Question 9

How do rubber bands work?

Accepted Answer

Rubber bands work because they're stretchy, so when you pull on them, they store energy. When you let them go, they snap back to their original shape, releasing that energy.

Question 10

Why does a frisbee fly far when thrown?

Accepted Answer

A frisbee flies far because its shape lets it cut through the air easily. When you throw it spinning, it stays stable and keeps gliding forward.

Question 11

How does a slinky walk down stairs?

Accepted Answer

A slinky walks down stairs because of gravity and momentum. When you start it, the slinky stretches out and falls to the next step, pulling the rest of it along.

Question 12

What makes a boomerang come back when you throw it?

Accepted Answer

A boomerang comes back because of its shape and the way it spins through the air. When it's thrown right, it curves around and returns to you.

Question 13

Why do bubbles float in the air?

Accepted Answer

Bubbles float because they are filled with air, and the air inside is lighter than the air outside. This makes them rise before they pop from a touch or the wind.

Question 14

How does a pinwheel spin when you blow on it?

Accepted Answer

A pinwheel spins because the air from your breath pushes against the blades. This push makes them turn around quickly.

Question 15

Why do some toys float on water and others sink?

Accepted Answer

Some toys float because they're light and have air in them, making them less dense than water. Heavy toys sink because they are denser and can't stay on top of the water.

Question 16

How do parachute toys work?

Accepted Answer

Parachute toys work by slowing down their fall when you throw them. The parachute catches air, making it fall gently to the ground instead of quickly.

Question 17

What makes a jack-in-the-box jump out?

Accepted Answer

A jack-in-the-box jumps out because it's held down by a spring. When you turn the crank and it releases, the spring pushes it up with a surprise!

Question 18

Why does a spinning coin eventually stop?

Accepted Answer

A spinning coin stops because of friction. As it spins, it rubs against the table or the air, slowing it down until it falls over.

Question 19

How do dominoes fall in a line?

Accepted Answer

Dominoes fall in a line because when one falls, it hits the next one. Each domino tips over the next like a wave until the whole line falls.

Question 20

Why do some toys make noise when you shake them?

Accepted Answer

Some toys make noise because they have small bits inside that rattle around when you shake them. The movement causes the pieces to hit each other or the walls of the toy, creating sound.

The Physics of Toys - 20 FAQs Explained Simply