Final answer:
Slips occur due to insufficient friction or traction, not because there is too much. Frictional forces oppose motion and arise from surface roughness and molecular adhesive forces, depending on material composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement provided by the student is actually incorrect. Slips occur when there is not enough friction or traction between the footwear and the walking/working surface. When the frictional force is insufficient to resist the motion, slipping occurs, leading to a potential fall. Frictional forces, such as 'f', always oppose motion or attempted motion between surfaces in contact.
These forces arise due to both the roughness of the surfaces and adhesive forces between the molecules that make up the two objects, meaning that even smooth surfaces can exhibit friction. Importantly, the level of friction depends on the substances the surfaces are made of, as different materials interact differently at the molecular level, which is why rubber-soled shoes typically offer better grip than leather soles.