[texhax] The \/ control sequence

[P. R. Stanley]

Greetings folks
I've discovered one use for the \/ macro i.e. used in transition from 
a \sl or \it to \rm.
I understand it's something to do with the spacing between the last 
\it or \sl char and the first \rm char. A few keywords as to the real 
impact of the macro would be really appreciated.
Are there other uses for the \/ control sequence?
Many thanks,
Paul