\begin{tabular}{|l}\hline Question 6 \\ Kacey used a pump attached to a bicycle tire \\ to inflate the tire. Before she used the pump, \\ the tire was flexible. Afterwards, it was not \\ flexible and held its shape. Why did the tire \\ hold its shape after it was inflated? \\ \( \begin{array}{l}\text { Air from the pump changed the tire into a } \\ \text { harder type of rubber. } \\ \text { Air changed into a solid substance inside the } \\ \text { tire and made it hold it's shape. } \\ \text { Air particles pushed against the inside of the } \\ \text { tire. } \\ \text { Air particles in the tire got bigger and filled the } \\ \text { space in the tire. }\end{array} \) \\ \hline\end{tabular}

Air particles pushed against the inside of the tire, creating pressure that helped maintain its shape. When Kacey used the pump, she added more air into the tire, which made the air particles inside move faster and collide more forcefully against the walls of the tire. This pressure keeps the tire inflated and prevents it from collapsing, resulting in a firm and rigid structure that can support the weight of the bicycle. In practical scenarios, understanding how air pressure works comes in handy, especially when dealing with not just bicycles but also cars and basketballs! Properly inflated tires improve performance and safety, reducing the risk of blowouts and ensuring a smoother ride. Remember to check the air pressure regularly because both under-inflation and over-inflation can lead to problems on the road or track!