Question

how do newtons laws of motion explain why it is important to keep the ice smooth on a hockey rink so that players can pass a puck as quickly as possible?
smooth ice reduces the inertia of the hockey puck.
smooth ice increases the force used to accelerate the hockey puck.
smooth ice reduces the unbalanced forces that would slow the hockey puck.
smooth ice decreases the reaction force that the ice exerts on the hockey puck.

Explanation:

According to Newton's first - law, an object in motion will stay in motion with a constant velocity unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. On a smooth ice surface, the frictional force (an unbalanced force that would slow the puck) is reduced. Inertia is a property of mass and not affected by the smoothness of the ice. The force to accelerate the puck is applied by the player and not directly affected by ice smoothness. The reaction force from the ice is a normal force and its magnitude is related to the weight of the puck and not the smoothness in terms of slowing the puck down.

Answer:

Smooth ice reduces the unbalanced forces that would slow the hockey puck.