The term sliding friction refers to the resistance created by two objects sliding against each other. This can also be called kinetic friction. Sliding friction is intended to stop an object from moving.

Understanding Sliding Friction

The amount of sliding friction created by objects is expressed as a coefficient which takes into consideration the various factors that can affect the level of friction. These various factors that can impact sliding friction include the following:

The surface deformation of objects
The roughness/smoothness of the surface of the objeects
The original speed of either object
The size of object
The amount of pressure on either object
The adhesion of the surface

Everyday Examples of Sliding Friction

Specific examples of sliding friction include:

Rubbing both hands together to create heat
A sled sliding across snow or ice
Skis sliding against snow
A person sliding down a slide is an example of sliding friction
A coaster sliding against a table
A washing machine pushed along a floor
An iron being pushed across material
The frame and the edge of door sliding against one another
The bottom of a trashcan sliding against the concrete
A block being slid across the floor
Two cement blocks being slid into place next to each other
Two cards in a deck sliding against each other
The bottom of a glass being pushed across a table
A couch sliding against the steps when being moved
A dresser's legs on the carpet when being slid to another part of the room
The rope and the pulley on a set of blinds or curtains
The friction between two books when sliding one into place on a bookshelf
The friction between the bottom of a book and the shelf when being slid into place
A vegetable drawer sliding against the holder in the fridge
A check being slid across the counter at the bank
A paper sliding against the paper holder once emitted from a copy machine
A paper on the roller as it slides through a fax machine
The bottom of a chair leg and the floor when a chair is moved out
The bottom of the coffee pot when slid out from the maker
The sliding of the brew basket of the coffee maker against the internal parts when it is removed
The tube on a lotion bottle and the opening to the lotion when it is pushed down to let out lotion
A rag and the counter it is being used to clean
Jeans on your legs when putting them on
A card and an envelope when the card is being slid into the envelope
A sliding glass door against both the track in which it is moving, and the other door

As these examples show, there are many different situations where sliding friction exists and where sliding friction creates resistance as objects rub against each other. This type of friction is different than rolling friction where one item can roll and the friction typically slows the rate of movement.

There is a good chance you have encountered sliding friction examples in the real world. Now you will be able to recognize these examples when you come upon them since you have a better understanding of what sliding friction means.