Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry

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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

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Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries.

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries sent by listeners.

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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 18: The Slippery Situation

The Slippery Situation

Series 18

BBC Radio 4 - The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry, Series 18, The Slippery Situation

'What is the most slippy thing in the world?' asks 8 year old Evelyn from London

4 Extra Debut. What is the most slipperiest thing in the world? Drs Rutherford and Fry investigate the science of friction. From 2021.

'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

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2021.

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 18

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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

Series 18

The Slippery Situation

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