How does the introduction of gas in a friction behavior demonstration affect the motion of an object on a flat surface?

When a thin layer of gas is introduced between a moving object and a flat surface, it creates a small cushion that reduces the direct contact area, so the surfaces are no longer pressed together as tightly. Because friction depends on how much the two surfaces touch and on the normal force, the gas layer lowers the effective normal force and the microscopic sticking points, which makes the object slide more easily. This is similar to how a sheet of paper between two surfaces can lower friction, but the gas can move and adjust, making the effect more dynamic. For example, blowing a short burst of air across a sliding block on a table will let the block glide faster than it would without the air, showing the friction reduction. Thus, adding gas in the demonstration makes the motion smoother and faster by acting as a very light lubricant.