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IGCSE Physics, Cambridge 0625, Malaysia

Friction

A contact force that opposes the relative motion or attempted motion between two surfaces.

Friction acts in the opposite direction to motion or attempted motion. It converts kinetic energy into thermal energy.

Friction is useful (walking, braking, writing) and sometimes unwanted (wears surfaces, wastes energy in machines). It can be reduced by lubrication, using smoother surfaces, or using rollers.

Air resistance is a type of friction that acts on objects moving through air. It increases with speed.

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