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Once you’re on your journey, certain wheels cause friction to control movement toward either side of the track, resulting in a loss of energy.
Does "to control" specify the verb "cause" or the objective "friction"?
I'm not sure whether the sentence has the meaning of "wheels cause friction, and then, as a result of it, wheels control movement." or the meaning of " wheels cause friction which controls movement."
Does "to control" specify the verb "cause" or the objective "friction"?
Neither.
This is an adjunct of purpose, adjuncts being modifiers in clause structure. It answers the question why certain wheels cause friction once...
...certain wheels cause friction [in order to control movement toward either side of the track]...
Whenever it's possible to insert in order in front of to without changing the meaning, it's an adjunct of purpose.
Result adjuncts typically take the form of gerund-participial clauses (-ing clauses) such as the resulting... one in the example given. They can also start with so or with the result. Note neither one of these may be substituted while maintaining the meaning of the original.
...certain wheels cause friction [with the result that they control movement toward either side of the track]...
...certain wheels cause friction [so they control movement toward either side of the track]...
