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Primates and other creatures step over ice
many thousands of years ago!

In order to examine the details of a hockey skate or a puck sliding on ice, the developments and theories produced by scientists must be examined. You will discover that the secrets of ice is steadily being revealed by the hard work and dedications of these bright scientists.

In addition, there is a brief biography section that lists all the scientists I have mentioned. Please go to "Meet the People."

Michael Faraday circa 1860 ad

Finally, Man "experiments" with ice for the first time. Faraday notices a phenomenal site! He saw a film of water on the surface of the ice at temperatures below the melting point. Faraday concludes that changes in temperatures which are within a frigid temperature (0*C to -10*C) can still
affect the structure of the ice. (Robinson, 1965)

NB: Temperature of ice, not the air

What is Le Chatelier's Principle?
This principle states, "If a system at equilibrium is disturbed by a change in composition, temperature or pressure then the equilibrium shifts to counteract the effect of the disturbance."

Now, scientists still question about the thin layer of water that is formed on ice; this time, scientists investigate a trail of moisture forming when a metal blade runs across the ice. Le Chatelier's Principle was now used by these scientists to understand the complex behaviour of water.
We can assert that increased pressure on ice will lead to a decreased volume of water, which then leads to a lower melting-temperature of ice. (Physics Encyclopedia, 1998)

However, it involves a pressure of 122 atmospheres (1.22 MPa) to reduce the melting temperature by 1* centigrade.
The pressure of an average man standing on ice is only 6 atmospheres-- do you think this amount of pressure will reduce any degree of the melting temperature of ice? Do you think that a hockey player wearing skates can create particles of water via pressure? Absolutely not! The pressure under the skates are to low to affect the melting temperature.

Le Chatelier's Principle does in fact remain true in these events of ice, however, the Principle is invalid since the affect of pressure is neglegible. There must be another reason for the melting of ice. (Robinson, 1965)

All these theories have supporting information, as well as little "pitfalls" due to contradicting evidence. These theories on the sliding friction of ice (and the friction of many substances in general) exist today because we haven't yet found the ultimate answer.

Furthermore, it is almost two centuries since anyone sought for the properties of ice in a scientific sense. With the rise of technological advancement, versatile equipment are available for scientists to obtain specific information. More research is done as the demands for better hockey and figure skate blades are increasing.

1.... Pressure Melting Theory

This primitive theory, introduced in 1886 by John Joly, strictly follows Le Chatelier's Principle.
Indeed, as stated earlier, it is not pressure that melts the ice; the pressure of the load is too low for significant pressure-melting.
A scientist, Reynolds, argued that pressure does play a role when the temperature of ice is precisely near 0*C.
Also, Reynolds proposed that this film of water from pressure acted as a lubricant.
(Colbeck, 1994)

......... more theories continue

Go to BIO page to get a brief biography on the scientists who contributed to the physics of ice.

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