Engineering · lesson 10 of 24 · free

Friction — Engineering for kids

Friction is the force that acts against sliding or rolling between two surfaces. Rough, dry surfaces (sandpaper, a doormat, tyre treads) give more friction; smooth, wet, icy or oiled surfaces and ball bearings give less. Friction is helpful when we need grip — walking, braking, writing — and a problem when it wears things out or heats up machine parts. In a friction test, the surface that needs the biggest force to pull the same block has the most friction.

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Engineer's tip

Rough grips, smooth slides — “rough dry surfaces give more friction; oil, ice and wheels give less”

  1. More friction: rough, dry, grippy. Less friction: smooth, oiled, wet, icy, rolling, powdered.
  2. Helpful for grip and braking; a problem when it wears or heats parts.
  3. Friction test: bigger force needed → more friction.

Use it for: Science lessons on friction, bicycle and shoe design, and slippery-floor safety.

Worked example: 🛞 More or less friction: a grippy rubber sole? → more friction

  1. Rubber soles are made to grip the ground.
  2. Grip means the surfaces resist sliding — more friction.

Check: Oil on a squeaky hinge does the opposite — less friction ✓

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✓ Written and checked by the TalentJR team · Updated 13 Oct 2026 · How we make our lessons

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🖨️ Engineering Worksheet: Friction

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