You might have observed that when you walk on ice you take small steps. Why?

We are able to walk due to force of friction. Friction is a contact force and arises when two objects are in direct contact with each other. While walking our feet exerts force on the ground pushing it backwards and the ground exerts equal and opposite reaction to our feet helping us to move forward. When we walk on ice, the friction force between the feet and the ice decreases and it causes slipping. Therefore we take small steps on ice.


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