A Wonderleaf question
How does a vacuum cleaner pick up dirt?
a real page from the book
A vacuum cleaner picks up dirt by moving air quickly, not by grabbing. Its motor turns a fan, the fan lowers air pressure near the nozzle, and room air rushes in. Dust, hair, and crumbs are carried along in that fast stream and end up in the bag or bin.
The clever part is the filter. Air can squeeze through tiny holes, but most dirt cannot, so the airflow leaves and the mess stays behind. If the container fills up, air has a harder path, which is why an emptied vacuum often feels stronger right away.
Wonder words
- suction
- pressure
- filter
- nozzle
Try it out
Put a few crumbs on a table and blow gently across them, then try from farther away to compare the airflow.
Read the whole picture book
Watercolour scenes, straight answers, about three minutes cover to cover.
Open the picture bookKeep wondering
- How does a zipper hold together?
- How do airplanes fly?
- How are books made?
- How do electric cars work?
- How do refrigerators keep food from spoiling?
One more wonder: Why is space so dark?
And the next question?
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