Ice Skater Pressure on Ice

Why does an ice skater exert more pressure on ice when wearing newly sharpened skates than when wearing skates with dull blades?

Newly sharpened skates have less surface area, increasing pressure.

How does skate blade sharpness affect ice pressure?

An ice skater exerts more pressure on ice when wearing newly sharpened skates than dull blades because sharp blades have less surface area, resulting in a greater force per unit area. This increased force, or pressure, melts a thin layer of ice under the skate blade, creating a film of water that reduces friction and allows the skater to glide more easily. In contrast, dull blades have more surface area and distribute the force over a larger area, resulting in a lower pressure and less melting of the ice.

Explanation:

When an ice skater wears newly sharpened skates, the blades have a very thin and sharp edge, which decreases the surface area in contact with the ice. As a result, the force applied by the skater is concentrated on a smaller area, leading to higher pressure on the ice. This increased pressure causes the ice to melt under the skate blade, creating a thin layer of water that reduces friction and allows the skater to glide smoothly.

On the other hand, when a skater wears skates with dull blades, the edges are rounded and have more surface area in contact with the ice. This distributes the force over a larger area, resulting in lower pressure on the ice. As a result, there is less melting of the ice and more friction, making it harder for the skater to glide effectively.

Therefore, the sharpness of the skate blades significantly affects the pressure exerted on the ice and the overall skating experience by influencing the amount of friction and the ease of gliding on the ice surface.