Final answer:
If there is no friction, an object will not move faster, but it will maintain its speed and not slow down. Friction acts as a force that opposes movement, so without it, an object in motion continues at a constant speed indefinitely, consistent with Newton's First Law of Motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the effects of friction on motion, it's illustrative to use the example of an air hockey table. With the air turned on, the puck glides smoothly over the surface, simulating a near frictionless environment. This is because the cushion of air reduces the contact between the puck and the table, thereby reducing friction. In the absence of friction, an object like the puck would maintain its speed and not slow down, in accordance with Newton's First Law of Motion, which implies an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
Galileo theorized that without any resisting effects such as friction, an object would continue to move indefinitely at a constant speed. This is echoed in space, where friction is insignificant, and objects have been observed to coast indefinitely.
It's important to note that while friction tends to slow things down, the absence of it doesn't necessarily mean objects will move faster; they will simply not slow down and continue at the speed they were set in motion with, assuming no other forces are acting on them.