Question: why are ice cubes sticky but icy pavements slippy

Michelle Valkanas answered on 14 Mar 2019:

Ice is naturally slippery. It is still debated as to why this is, but in fact both ice cubes and icy pavements are slippy. It is only when you touch ice cubes to a warm, moist surface that it becomes sticky. This is because the ice temporarily melts and then refreezes. This effect is not limited to ice cubes (it is just that you are more likely to touch an ice cube). Have you ever seen “The Christmas Story”? The kid licks the frozen pull and gets stuck, that is just like ice cubes! 🙂 Thank you for the fun question!