Understanding Friction and Applied Forces
Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion between two surfaces in contact. It acts in a direction that is opposite to the direction of the applied force. Thus, the statement that "friction always acts in the same direction as the applied force" is False.

Key Points about Friction
- Opposition to Motion: Friction resists the movement that an applied force is trying to induce. For example, if you push a box to the right, friction acts to the left.
- Types of Friction: There are different types of friction:
- **Static Friction:** Acts when an object is at rest and prevents it from moving.
- **Kinetic Friction:** Acts when an object is sliding over a surface.
- Direction of Friction: Regardless of the direction of the applied force, friction always acts in the opposite direction to counteract that force. This is crucial for understanding how objects move or remain stationary.
- Magnitude of Friction: The frictional force can vary depending on the surfaces in contact and the normal force. However, its direction will consistently oppose the applied force.

Practical Implications
Understanding the behavior of friction is essential in various fields such as engineering, physics, and even everyday situations. It helps in designing safer vehicles, enhancing sports equipment, and improving machinery efficiency. Recognizing that friction does not align with the applied force can lead to better predictions of how objects will behave under different conditions.
In summary, friction acts in opposition to the direction of the applied force, confirming that the correct answer is indeed option 'B' (False).