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Curious Cases

The Slippery Situation

Curious Cases

BBC

Technology, Science

4.84.1K Ratings

🗓️ 4 November 2021

⏱️ 38 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

'What is the slipperiest thing in the world?' asks 8 year old Evelyn? 'Why do my feet slip on a wet floor but when my feet are even slightly moist it's nearly impossible to put on a pair of socks without falling over and cursing the universe. What is going on here?' asks Evelyn's Dad, Sam. Hannah and Adam investigate the science of friction and lubrication - so called 'tribology' with the help of tribologists and mechanical engineers Professor Ashlie Martini from California University Merced and Professor Roger Lewis from the University of Sheffield. With their help Hannah and Adam find out why leaves on the line are so slippery, what happens to graphite in space and what is the slipperiest food. Professor of Materials, Mark Miodownik from University College London explains what's going on when friction stops two materials sliding past each other and wonders whether the slipperiest substance was actually discovered accidentally in a lab by scientists looking for something completely different. Also in the programme why the ability to reduce friction, even by minuscule amounts could have a huge impact for sustainability and reducing energy use. Producers: Jen Whyntie and Pamela Rutherford

Transcript

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0:00.0

BBC Sounds, Music, Radio, Podcasts.

0:04.8

MUSIC

0:10.9

I'm Dr Adam Rutherford.

0:12.5

And I'm Dr Hannah Fry.

0:13.9

And you are going to send us your everyday mysteries.

0:16.7

And we are going to investigate them.

0:18.7

Using the power of science.

0:20.8

Science.

0:21.5

Science.

0:22.5

I like it.

0:23.5

MUSIC

0:26.6

Hello, Curios, a brand new episode of Curious Cases.

0:30.7

Slipping its way into your podcast feeds today.

0:33.6

This one is all about slippery things.

0:36.2

Are you going to send thing?

0:38.2

No, I don't think I'll bother that with perfect.

0:40.0

OK, on with the show.

0:41.4

MUSIC

0:43.7

We've got a very slippery customer for you today.

0:49.3

Send to CuriousCases at BBC.co.uk.

0:52.1

True, true, Evelyn, age 8, emailed via her dad, Sam.

0:55.8

With the question, what is the most slippy thing in the world?

...

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