Ice skating works by reducing friction between the blades of the ice skates and the surface of the ice. When the blades glide over the ice, the pressure exerted causes a thin layer of water to form between the skate and the ice. This layer of water reduces friction, allowing the skater to glide smoothly across the ice.
The ice does not melt under the pressure of the skater's weight because the pressure exerted by the skater is spread out over a larger surface area due to the sharp blades of the ice skates. This reduces the pressure on any one point of the ice, preventing it from melting.
No, the melting point of ice remains the same regardless of pressure. The melting point of ice is determined by its chemical makeup and is not affected by external factors such as pressure. Pressure may affect the rate at which ice melts, but not the actual melting point.
Ice skates glide better on colder ice because the cold temperature causes the ice to become harder and more compact, reducing the amount of friction between the skate and the ice. This allows for smoother and faster gliding on the ice.
While it may seem like ice skates are creating heat and melting the ice, this is not the case. The friction between the skate and the ice does generate some heat, but it is not enough to significantly melt the ice. The thin layer of water formed under the skate also helps to dissipate any heat that is generated, preventing the ice from melting.