What makes ice slippery? (A surprising science mystery) cover art

What makes ice slippery? (A surprising science mystery)

What makes ice slippery? (A surprising science mystery)

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

#231

Why is ice so slippery? Is it because of a layer of water on top, or is it something more complex? Join us as we dive into the chemistry behind icy surfaces, inspired by a curious 5-year-old's question. You'll hear about experimental findings, the special properties of water, and even some amusing snow day memories. Perfect for anyone who's ever wondered why ice makes us slip and slide!

00:00 Experiencing Alaska in Texas
00:24 The Chemistry of Ice and Snow
01:42 Why is Ice Slippery?
03:10 Listener Questions and Ice Skating Chemistry
04:02 Debunking Ice Slipperiness Theories
11:42 Water's Unique Properties
17:43 Pressure and Melting Ice
22:30 Scientific Findings on Ice Slipperiness
24:12 Addressing Common Comments
24:31 The Science of Ice Skating
25:30 New Research on Ice
26:37 Amorphous Solids and Ice
37:09 Practical Implications of Ice Behavior
41:12 Snow Day Memories
49:14 Supporting the Show

Support this podcast on Patreon
Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

References from the Episode:

Thanks to our monthly supporters

  • Amanda Raymond
  • Emily Morrison
  • Kyle McCray
  • Justine
  • Emily Hardy
  • Ash
  • Vince W
  • Julie S.
  • Heather Ragusa
  • Autoclave
  • Dorien VD
  • Scott Beyer
  • Jessie Reder
  • J0HNTR0Y
  • Jeannette Napoleon
  • Cullyn R
  • Erica Bee
  • Elizabeth P
  • Rachel Reina
  • Letila
  • Katrina Barnum-Huckins
  • Suzanne Phillips
  • Venus Rebholz
  • Jacob Taber
  • Brian Kimball
  • Kristina Gotfredsen
  • Timothy Parker
  • Steven Boyles
  • Chris Skupien
  • Chelsea B
  • Avishai Barnoy
  • Hunter Reardon
Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.