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Everyday Science · 45 sec

Friction

The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.

  1. The useful idea

    Friction is the force resisting the relative motion of solid surfaces, fluid layers, and material elements sliding or grinding against each other.

  2. How it works

    Types of friction include dry, fluid, lubricated, skin, and internal – an incomplete list.

  3. Why it matters

    The study of the processes involved is called tribology, and has a history of more than 2,000 years.

Look for Friction the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.

Look for Friction the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.

Test your recall

Which idea belongs to the explanation of Friction?

  • Why it matters
  • How it works
  • The useful idea — correct

Friction is the force resisting the relative motion of solid surfaces, fluid layers, and material elements sliding or grinding against each other.

EvergreenLast verified 2026-07-19

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