Physics of ice skating

Since we have been learning about centripetal forces, it was a great time to discuss the physics of ice skating. What allows for smooth gliding on ice is the lack of friction on the ice. The less frictional surface allows a skater to glide on ice, because there is little opposition to motion. Additionally, ice skating involves Newton's 1st law because an object in motion tends to stay in motion. When a skater gets moving, they do not stop moving until the skater brakes. Lastly, When a skater is going across the ice, the skaters are pushing against the ice to make themselves move. This is Newton's 3rd law, because for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The skater is pushing into the ice and the ice is pushing back on the skater.