How does friction between two surfaces work?

Basically when two surfaces touch the microscopes that they have are all irregular and they get caught on each other creating resistance. it's like when you try to slide two rough cork pieces over each other, no matter how many times you try there's always something that slows you down.

The truth is the explanation about microscopic irregularities is pretty spot on, but there's a bit more to it than that. Beyond those microscopic "hooks," friction also has to do with electromagnetic forces between the atoms of the two surfaces when they're in contact, and the amount of pressure you apply between them. That's why if you push an object hard you get more friction, whereas if you reduce the pressure (or use lubricant that creates a film between the surfaces) then the resistance drops quite a bit. It's not just pure mechanics of microscopic interlocking, there's chemistry involved too.

Like they mention above, it's more or less that but I can explain it to you from another angle. Imagine that surfaces at a microscopic level are like mountains and valleys, so when you press them against each other, those little pointy bits get hooked and create resistance. Plus there are electromagnetic forces at play between the atoms, so it's not just mechanical engagement but also the chemistry behind it. That's why if you have two different materials the friction changes, or if one is wet versus dry everything changes 🎸