Answer to Question #37666 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for jerica

Question

If you found yourself on perfectly smooth ice in the center of a pond so that there was no friction, how could you get of the pond?

Answer 1

You cannot swim if there is no friction. Because friction helps you in motion. Without it we would either slip, or walk in the same spot.

Law of conservation of momentum:
In a closed system (one that does not exchange any matter with the outside and is not acted on by outside forces) the total momentum is constant.

Therefore, you can throw something from yourself. In this way you will give its the momentum. From law of conservation of momentum, you will receive a momentum in the opposite direction. It means that you will move. For example, you can use fire extinguisher to get out from the pond.