Would flour have a similar effect on ice has salt?

No, flour will not have a similar effect on ice as salt. Here's why:

* Salt lowers the freezing point of water: Salt is a solute that dissolves in water, disrupting the formation of ice crystals. This lowers the freezing point of the water, making it melt at a lower temperature.

* Flour absorbs water: Flour is primarily made of starch, which absorbs water. When sprinkled on ice, it will absorb some of the water and form a paste, but it won't actually lower the freezing point like salt does.

In summary: Salt causes ice to melt by lowering its freezing point, while flour primarily absorbs water and doesn't significantly change the ice's melting point.