Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains Friction

Why do we need friction? In this explainer video, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice get into why, despite how the word is often used, friction is actually our friend.

Usually, we talk about friction as a bad thing--slowing things down, heating things up--but not today! Neil explains why without friction, life as we know it would not be possible. Discover how every mode of transportation requires friction. Are there any that don’t require friction?

We investigate the lack of friction in space and how we push against the earth. Do we move the earth or does the earth only move us? Could we speed up the rotation of the earth if every person ran in the same direction at the same time? Could you push something heavy if you had no friction? We explore momentum and ancient ideas about friction. What did Aristotle and Galileo think about physics? Where did the idea behind friction come from? Plus, find out why spacecrafts erupt in flames as they reenter Earth’s atmosphere. All that and more on another StarTalk explainer!

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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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[kevinkirst]

Neil and Chuck are such a great combo, through the years Neil got funnier and Chuck got smarter, I love it.

[jeffs]

I'm glad there's no friction between Neil and Chuck!

[jgladfel]

As a Conflict Management consultant, I teach others that conflict (or friction) is not always bad. In fact, we need it for progress---we just need to manage it well. I use the car tire/road analogy all the time!
Cross pollination of ideas!

[SunflowerKinggg]

Chuck, intentionally asking a ridiculous question:
"Can we ALL get together
Every human being
Just in one group
And start running in one direction
Will we speed up the earth?! 🤔🤨"

Neil: "Yes 🙂"

Chuck: "😶... WHAT?! 🤯"

[braddsn]

Love the way Neil explains things. Brings it down for us mortals. Also he and Chuck work so well together. Excellent!!

[Mahut]

Dr Tyson, thank you for your teachings you have been one mentor the I have never meet in person but still have a great impact in my life. Thank you for keeping us thinking and challenge to keep learning

[lar]

OMG, Neil just answered one of the longest unanswered questions I had in my life! That movie scene he debunked near the end, about the guy falling off the platform and (erroneously) burning up due to friction... I saw that movie on TV when I was somewhere between 3 ~ 5 and I did not understand what killed the falling guy. This was in the early 60's. I was hoping to catch it on TV again but I don't know if it ever played again. Wow! Thanks Neil, cold... or should I say glaciated... case closed (don't worry, folks, it wasn't like it was eating away at me all that time. Neil just reminded me of it).

[theseeingkarp]

I always love Neil and Chuck. They're always hilarious when they are together.

[mfc]

Don’t ever stop doing these videos. Thanks guys.

[morewealth]

Never trust friction. It will always work against you.

[starlightangel]

I've been learning soo much from all these videos lol
These 2 really make it fun 😁

[intotheunknown]

I just haven't expected this explainer will include so many things . Great🌠

[isatousarr]

Friction is a fundamental force that plays a significant role not only in our everyday lives but also in the vast expanse of the cosmos. In astrophysics, friction influences the movement and behavior of celestial bodies, from the swirling gas clouds in nebulae to the interactions between galaxies. One fascinating example is how frictional forces in accretion disks around black holes cause matter to heat up and emit intense radiation, providing critical insights into these mysterious objects. Additionally, frictional interactions are key in understanding how planetary rings form and evolve over time. Given its profound impact on cosmic phenomena, how might our study of friction continue to advance our understanding of the universe and its complex mechanisms?

[MrBhavin]

Niel your videos are a slap to the education system that failed to teach us basic science. Just a startalk fan from India :)

[adityasargar]

What an perfect timing of this one, currently Types of Forces is been taught in my high school.

[wuzzy]

I'm partial to non-friction. The people within the fandoms of friction can often be too abrasive.

[alanpereira]

Wonderful team. You both bring the knowledge and fun to our take advantage precious lifes.

[conniesedona]

I don't think I ever had a teacher in all my school years who taught with such enthusiasm for his/her subject ... except my high school physiology teacher. That was a great class!

[anzar]

"Give me some friction!" Will look great on a Star Talk T-shirt!

[lanatrzczka]

I'm starting to understand just how completely brilliant Isaac Newton was.