What type of friction occurs when an object rolls over a surface?

Rolling friction is the type of friction that occurs when an object rolls over a surface. This occurs, for example, when a wheel or a ball moves on the ground. It is typically less than static or sliding friction, which makes rolling motion more efficient. The nature of rolling friction is affected by factors such as the material of the surfaces in contact and their shape.

In practical terms, rolling friction allows for smoother movement and typically requires less force to maintain motion compared to other types of friction. Understanding rolling friction is crucial in fields like engineering and physics, where concepts like vehicle design and motion dynamics are involved.