Which mechanical component can reduce friction between moving parts?

The correct answer highlights the role of bushes, which are important mechanical components that help in reducing friction between moving parts. Bushes, often made from materials such as bronze, plastic, or composite materials, are designed to provide a low-friction surface for rotating or sliding components. They are used in applications such as bearings or as sleeves in pivot points, helping to create smoother motion while also limiting wear on the surfaces they contact.

Bushes work by providing a supportive interface, allowing for controlled movement while minimizing direct metal-to-metal contact. This significantly reduces friction, leading to improved efficiency and longevity of the moving parts in machinery. By absorbing some of the operational stresses and promoting smoother operation, bushes contribute to better performance in mechanical systems.

The other options, while important in their own right, do not serve the specific function of reducing friction. Bolts and nuts are primarily fasteners used to secure components together, and springs are designed to store and release energy, but neither performs the role of minimizing friction between moving parts as effectively as bushes do.