Question 1

What are materials?

Accepted Answer

Materials are the stuff that things are made of. Everything around us, like your clothes, toys, and even the air, is made from different materials.

Question 2

Why are some materials hard and others soft?

Accepted Answer

Hard materials have tightly packed molecules, like rocks, while soft materials have more space between their molecules, like cushions. Different arrangements make materials act differently.

Question 3

What makes metal shiny?

Accepted Answer

Metals are shiny because they reflect light really well. This shiny appearance happens because of how the metal's surface is smooth and lets light bounce off easily.

Question 4

Why do we use wood for furniture?

Accepted Answer

Wood is strong and can hold weight, so it's great for furniture. It's also easy to shape and can be polished to look nice.

Question 5

How do magnets work?

Accepted Answer

Magnets can pull or push some types of metal because of an invisible force called magnetism. This force is what helps a magnet stick to your fridge.

Question 6

Why do balloons float?

Accepted Answer

Balloons filled with helium float because helium is lighter than the air around it. This makes the balloon rise up into the sky.

Question 7

What makes glass see-through?

Accepted Answer

Glass is see-through because light can pass through it easily. Its molecules are arranged in a way that doesn't block light.

Question 8

Why does metal feel cold to touch?

Accepted Answer

Metal feels cold because it quickly pulls heat away from your hand. This happens because metal is a good conductor of heat.

Question 9

How do we make plastic?

Accepted Answer

Plastic is made by mixing chemicals, which are usually found in oil. These chemicals are heated and molded into the shapes we need, like toys or bottles.

Question 10

What makes rubber stretchy?

Accepted Answer

Rubber is stretchy because it has long chains of molecules that can move and spring back. This makes it great for things like elastic bands.

Question 11

Why do some things burn easily?

Accepted Answer

Some materials, like paper and wood, catch fire easily because they are made of molecules that break apart and release energy as flames.

Question 12

What is fabric made from?

Accepted Answer

Fabric can be made from natural materials like cotton or wool, or from synthetic materials like polyester. It's woven together to make cloth we can wear.

Question 13

Why does ice cream melt?

Accepted Answer

Ice cream melts when it gets warm because it changes from solid to liquid. Heat makes the molecules move faster, turning it into a creamy liquid.

Question 14

Why does rubber bounce?

Accepted Answer

Rubber bounces because it can stretch and quickly return to its original shape. When you throw a rubber ball, it stores energy and releases it by bouncing back.

Question 15

What keeps water in a bucket even if it's upside down?

Accepted Answer

Water stays in a bucket when upside down because of surface tension. The water molecules stick together and hold their shape unless air gets in.

Question 16

Why does wood float but metal doesn't?

Accepted Answer

Wood floats because it is less dense than water, meaning it has more air spaces inside. Metal is denser and sinks because it can't be held up by water's strong force.

Question 17

What makes sandpaper rough?

Accepted Answer

Sandpaper is rough because it has tiny, sharp grains stuck to it. These grains help rub off surfaces when used for smoothing things out.

Question 18

How does a pencil leave a mark on paper?

Accepted Answer

Pencils have a core made of graphite. When you write, tiny pieces of graphite rub off onto the paper, leaving a mark.

Question 19

Why does glass break easily?

Accepted Answer

Glass breaks easily because it's brittle, meaning it can't bend much before cracking. Dropping or hitting it makes it shatter quickly.

Question 20

How do scissors cut paper?

Accepted Answer

Scissors cut paper by squeezing it between two sharp edges. These edges split the paper along a straight line, making a cut.

The Science of Everyday Materials: Their Properties and Uses - 20 FAQs Explained Simply