Friction is the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another. It plays a crucial role in everyday life, allowing us to walk without slipping and enabling vehicles to grip the road. The amount of friction depends on the materials involved and the force pressing them together. There are two main types of friction: static friction, which prevents motion between stationary objects, and kinetic friction, which occurs when objects are sliding past each other. Understanding friction is essential in various fields, including engineering and physics, as it affects everything from machinery to sports equipment.