Sliding (motion)

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Sliding is a type of motion between two surfaces in contact. This can be contrasted to rolling motion. Both types of motion may occur in bearings.

The relative motion or tendency toward such motion between two surfaces is resisted by friction. This means that the force of friction always acts on an object in the direction opposite to its velocity (relative to the surface it's sliding on). Friction may damage or "wear" the surfaces in contact. However, wear can be reduced by lubrication. The science and technology of friction, lubrication, and wear is known as tribology.

Sliding may occur between two objects of arbitrary shape, whereas rolling friction is the frictional force associated with the rotational movement of a somewhat disclike or other circular object along a surface. Generally, the frictional force of rolling friction is less than that associated with sliding kinetic friction.^[1] Typical values for the coefficient of rolling friction are less than that of sliding friction.^[2] Correspondingly sliding friction typically produces greater sound and thermal bi-products. One of the most common examples of sliding friction is the movement of braking motor vehicle tires on a roadway, a process which generates considerable heat and sound, and is typically taken into account in assessing the magnitude of roadway noise pollution.^[3]