- #1
Nitesh Swarnakar
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Why does ice piece sticks on hand but not wood piece?
Why does ice piece sticks on hand but not wood piece?
In summary, the conversation discusses why ice sticks to hands but not wood. The answer is that the heat from hands easily melts a bit of ice, causing it to refreeze and create a bond. This is due to the fact that wood is colder and has a larger heat resistance. However, it is not entirely true that ice does not stick to wood at all, as it can become attached if it thaws and refreezes. Additionally, the example of a child's tongue sticking to a metal rail is mentioned, with the explanation that saliva acts as a bond when it freezes. It is also noted that dry hands are less likely to stick to ice compared to wet ones.
- #2
BvU
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Hello Nitesh, 
Good question ! The answer is that heat from your hand easily melts a bit of ice and the cold ice re-freezes that bit.
For the transition from wood to ice:
Good question ! The answer is that heat from your hand easily melts a bit of ice and the cold ice re-freezes that bit.
For the transition from wood to ice:
- the wood is generally also a bit colder
- the heat resistance is bigger:
- the wood doesn't deform, so the contact area is small and
- wood is a bad conductor for heat
- #3
anorlunda
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- #4
Khashishi
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Tongue sticks because it was wet. The saliva freezes and acts as a bond. If your hand is dry, it probably won't stick to the ice.
- #5
anorlunda
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Khashishi said:
That's part of what @BvU said in #2, but not the whole story. Ice on the cold object supplies the water. It is heat from the touching object that can melt some of that ice, only to have it refreeze a moment later that causes the problem. Flesh is warm and is a good heat conductor. The exterior surface of a glove is cold and a good insulator.
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1. Why does ice stick to my hand but not to a piece of wood?
When you touch ice with your hand, the warmth from your body causes the ice to melt slightly. This creates a thin layer of water between your hand and the ice, allowing the ice to stick to your hand. However, wood is a poor conductor of heat, so it does not melt the ice as quickly and does not create a layer of water, making it less likely for the ice to stick.
2. Why do some wood pieces stick to ice and others don't?
The type of wood plays a big role in whether or not it will stick to ice. Hardwoods such as oak or maple have a smoother surface and are less porous, making it harder for the ice to stick. Softwoods like pine or cedar have a rougher surface and are more porous, allowing the ice to stick more easily.
3. Why does ice stick more to some people's hands than others?
The amount of moisture on your hands can affect how easily the ice will stick. If your hands are dry, there will be less moisture for the ice to melt and create a layer of water. Additionally, the temperature of your hands can also play a role. If your hands are colder, the ice will stick more easily as it will take longer to melt.
4. Can the temperature of the ice affect how it sticks to my hand?
Yes, the temperature of the ice can affect how it sticks to your hand. If the ice is colder, it will have a lower melting point and will melt more slowly, making it less likely to stick to your hand. However, if the ice is warmer, it will melt more quickly and create a layer of water, making it more likely to stick.
5. Why do ice cubes stick together in a tray, but not to our hands?
When ice cubes are in a tray, they are in contact with each other, which allows them to create a bond through the thin layer of water between them. This bond is stronger than the bond between the ice and our hands, which is why they stick together in the tray but not to our hands.
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