Bill Nye explains that friction is the force we feel when things rub against each other. He then provides examples of friction to help us understand the role it plays in our everyday lives.

Phil conducts an experiment in which he illustrates the additive nature of friction. He interleaves the pages of two books and attempts to pull the books apart. He cannot produce enough force to do so even after dangling from a rope attached to one of the books.

Cole's coach, Harry, talks to him about the importance of tires in a race. He states that they won't be able to finish a race with the way that Cole drives because he'll run down his tires too quickly. Harry suggests a deal with Cole: run 50 laps any way he likes, then run the laps Harry's way, and finally check the tires to see which tires experienced more damage. After the two runs, the tires with Harry's way of driving are in significantly better condition.

Bart and Milhouse demonstrate what a world without friction might be like.

Baby and Johnny practice different dance moves in nature to improve their dancing. They use a log as a balance beam and practice lifts in the water. They successfully perform the lift, but Baby leans forward and loses her balance.