Why is ice slippery?
Ice is slippery because its top has a super thin, wet, slidey layer!
Pip’s answer
- Ice is slippery because its top has a super thin, wet, slidey layer!
- Scientists think the tiny bits on top are loose and can wiggle around.
- That wiggly layer is smooth, so things glide instead of grip. Wheee!
- Wow-ee, that's why penguins can zoom across ice on their tummies!
For grown-ups
The surface of ice has a very thin, quasi-liquid layer where water molecules are loosely bound and can move. Scientists still study exactly why ice is so slippery, but this layer helps objects slide with little friction. Pressure and friction from skates may add a little melting too.
Ask your child: Why do you think boots with bumpy soles help on icy paths?
More questions kids ask
- 🧊Why does ice melt?
- 🧂Why does salt melt ice on the road?
- 🌨️Why does it snow?
- 🌤️Why is the sky blue?
- 🌅Why are sunsets orange?
- 🌈Why are there rainbows?
Got your own why?
Hold Pip, ask anything out loud, and watch the answer come to life.
Ask Pip your own question