Science is for ALL students. Whether students have learning problems or physical challenges, they should be able to experience hands-on science with their fellow classmates. In this activity, you will see how friction is used to slow down an object. The laws of motion tell us that things cannot stop by themselves. They are slowed or stopped by friction.
Friction is the force that slows down or stops moving objects.
It occurs when two objects slide or roll across each other or when one object slides or rolls across another. If you look under a microscope, you will see that the surface of any object is not smooth. Even something that looks as smooth as a marble has tiny bumps and holes. Friction occurs when the bumps and holes of two objects catch and rub together. The longer the two surfaces are in contact, the greater the friction and the slower the moving object.