Science Common Sense

205 - How does friction affect motion?

Friction is a force that stops or slows down objects from moving. It happens when two things rub against each other. Imagine you're trying to slide a book across a table. If the table is smooth, the book can slide easily. But if the table is rough, it's harder to slide the book because of friction.

Friction can:

1. Stop objects from moving (like trying to slide a book on a rough table).
2. Slow down moving objects (like wearing out your bike brakes).
3. Make it harder to start moving (like pushing a heavy box on a rough floor).

So, friction is like a brake that helps control how objects move.