十万个为什么·科学启蒙30篇（2）

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为什么冰刀能在冰面上顺畅滑行？

Ice skates glide smoothly because pressure from the blade melts a thin layer of ice.
This melted water acts like a lubricant between the skate and the ice surface.
Although the air is cold, the localized pressure lowers the melting point of ice.
The water refreezes instantly once the skate moves away and pressure drops.
That’s why skating feels almost frictionless when done correctly and steadily.
Scientists once thought friction heat caused all the melting, but now know pressure plays a bigger role.
Even at temperatures far below freezing, this effect still works under enough pressure.
The smoother and sharper the blade, the more evenly it distributes pressure on the ice.
Skaters lean slightly to control direction by changing where pressure is applied.
Understanding this helps engineers design better blades and safer rinks.