What is the consequence of having a high coefficient of friction in a mechanical system?

Having a high coefficient of friction in a mechanical system means that there is a greater resistance to motion between surfaces in contact. This increased frictional resistance directly impacts the effort needed to move a load. When friction is high, more force must be applied to overcome this resistance, resulting in an increased effort required to initiate or maintain movement of the load.

In practical terms, if you're trying to slide a heavy object across a surface with a high coefficient of friction, you'll find it much harder to move than if the surfaces had a lower coefficient of friction. This concept is crucial in understanding how different materials and surface conditions affect the performance of machines and mechanisms. Therefore, in systems where friction plays a significant role, high friction will necessitate greater applied forces, making it more challenging to achieve motion or to maintain a steady state of motion.