Friction on ice decreases gradually at minus seven degrees C. Scientists say there is always a presence of what they call a 'quasi-liquid' That's an ultra thin, like just a few nanometers thin layer of quasi-liquid. So ice always has this layer on there and that contributes to its slipperiness.
What makes ice slippery? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly uncover the complex physics of ice and cool facts we’re still learning about it with physicist and author, Laurie Winkless.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/slippery-science-the-physics-of-ice/
Photo Credit: Sharon Mollerus, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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