Friction — The Slowing Force

Have you ever slid across a wooden floor in your socks? Wheee! Now try that on carpet. You stop much faster! That is because of friction. Friction is a force that happens when two things rub against each other. It slows things down. When your socks slide on carpet, the rough carpet creates lots of friction and slows you down. The smooth floor has less friction, so you slide farther.