Slippery Science: The Physics of Ice with Neil deGrasse Tyson

What makes ice slippery? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly uncover the complex physics of ice and cool facts we’re still learning about it with physicist and author, Laurie Winkless. What makes ice slippery is not as simple as you think it is. We explore the difference between pressure melting and a quasi-liquid layer in creating slippery ice. Is all ice slippery? Learn about Micheal Faraday’s theories on ice before atoms had been demonstrated. How do water molecules interact when they’re solid? Discover nucleation as we talk about an at-home experiment you can do in your own freezer. Learn about ice meisters and the art of creating ice for sporting events. Is ice for curling different? Find out about the confusing physics in curling and why the curling stone doesn’t do what it should. Plus, what do those brooms do? We dive into more ancient types of ice as we explore glaciology. Can ice flow? We discuss the slippery movement of glaciers, snow pack, climate change, and more. What happens when water won't freeze when it's cold? Finally, is there a future where we could seed glaciers? NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/3dYIEQF Buy Laurie Winkless's book, "Sticky: The Secret Science of Surfaces": https://amzn.to/3XjXkOR Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #neildegrassetyson 00:00 - Intro: Ice Science 3:40 - Why is ice slippery? 10:00 - Ice in space 14:00 - Crystals, Chemistry, & Bonds 17:29 - Pressure melting 18:54 - Nucleation 20:15 - Ice Meisters & Making ice 23:40 - Does hot water freeze faster than cold? 25:25 - Curling ice is built different 28:40 - How curling curls 32:10 - Soft ice v. hard ice 34:00 - Curling brooms 35:50 - Snow 38:40 - Glaciology, snow pack, & climate change