Friction

Friction refers to the way in which objects move against each other and how it slows down their movement or stops it. You may not be able to see the energy that is being stopped during the friction process but it is always there. It doesnt matter what types of objects you are talking about or which directions they are moving.

Friction can be a detriment in some types of movement but for the most part it helps us keep things under control. We use friction to our advantage in our daily routine much more than the average person is aware of. We also take it for granted even when we are aware of it. Sometimes too much friction can be painful though such as when a rope rapidly runs through your hands and leaves burn marks.

There are several different types of friction that can take place. Static friction is often the most common and it is the one that helps use the most. It means what you place on a desk is going to remain in place. It means you can secure items when you otherwise wouldnt be able to. Rolling friction occurs when something is moving along and the friction slows it down. In many cases though that amount of friction can be used to control the efforts though.

Kinetic friction is the most visible and so we can often relate to it easier. For example when you are pulling a wagon along the sidewalk there is friction that reduces the amount of energy in place. The heavier the load is in the wagon the more friction there is between it and the sidewalk. This is why it will be harder for you to pull it with more stuff in it.

Friction is a very fascinating element on Earth that many people dont know very much about. Many school science curriculums try to cover some of the basics of friction though. There are plenty of great experiments that the class can take part in relating to friction. This is a much better idea than just them sitting there trying to absorb all of the information that is being presented by the teacher.