Science Common Sense

425 - What is friction, and how does it affect machines?

Imagine you're trying to slide a heavy book across the floor. It's hard, right? That's because of friction. Friction is a force that stops or slows down things when they're moving against each other. It happens when two surfaces rub together, like the book and the floor.

In machines, friction can be a problem because it uses up energy and makes the machine work harder. It's like when you're riding a bike and you apply the brakes – the brakes use friction to stop the bike, but it also makes it harder to pedal.

Machines can be designed to reduce friction, like using special oils or lubricants to make the moving parts slippery. This helps the machine work more efficiently and use less energy.