Why are the blades on ice skates narrow and sharp?

Question

science help needed plzzzzzzzzzzz !!!!!!! thnks

Answer 1

So Bugs Bunny can make all of those holes in the ice for Elmer Fudd to fall through when he skates.

Answer 2

Friction at the point of contact is focussed by having sharp blades.

That friction, as heat, thaws a minute amount of ice, creating an extremely slippery layer for the ice skates to slide on (every tried standing on ice, that has a thin layer of water on top - don't).

Answer 3

Less surface area makes less friction for easy sliding on the ice. It is sharp so it can cut into the ice and be controlled for direction.

Answer 4

dat is how they should be sharp 2 chop fingers off

Answer 5

They are narrow and sharp for only one reason: to reduce the 'coefficient of friction', i.e., so they glide more smoothly and easily on the ice..

Answer 6

Not to sound mean but most of these answers are from people who have not skated before. Ice surface has no friction what so ever unless the object coming into contact pierces the surface. This is why cars slide on ice even with large contact area. The blade of a skate is designed to allow a person to gain balance from push off into the glide by using the edge, the sharp edges are used to help gain friction in order to start and stop by "piercing the surface" also you need the sharp edge to turn. The narrow flat part is of a blade is used for the skater to "Steer" his skate in the direction they want to travel. If you put on skates and stand on the flat part of the blade you can not keep balance, push off, or turn, you just slide. If the blade came to a point you would have to much friction and no "Glide"

Answer 7

Blades are narrow and sharp because the more narrow and sharp they are the less surface area they cover, thus reducing the amount of friction needed to melt the ice SLIGHTY under the blade in order to "glide".

Answer 8

they are thin and sharp so it can slide good. the thinness does not create much resistance and sharpness so it will go the way you want it not do a split right away.

Answer 9

BETTER GRIP BUT CAN SLIDE EASILY

Answer 10

Because it makes for less surface contact between the blade and the ice, and therefor less friction, allowing the blade to move smoothly across the ice.

Answer 11

To skate better. put yer skates on ;-)

Answer 12

It's all about balance and practice. Easier i guess

Answer 13

they have to be for less friction thinner less friction thine the faster