To prevent slipping when walking on ice, one should take small steps. This is due to the fact that shorter steps ensure

Step-by-step solution

Let the leg make an angle with the vertical while walking. The normal force N and the frictional force f provided by the ground are related by f = N . To avoid slipping, the required frictional force must be less than or equal to the limiting friction, i.e., f N . Since the coefficient of friction for ice is very small, the required friction f must be small. Taking shorter steps makes the angle smaller, which in turn reduces the required frictional force f . Therefore, shorter steps ensure smaller friction is neede