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 smooth ice, there is less friction (an unbalanced force that slows down motion). So, the puck can move more freely. Inertia is a property of mass and not affected by the smoothness of the ice. The force used to accelerate the puck is applied by the player and not directly related to ice - smoothness. The normal reaction force from the ice on the puck is equal to the weight of the puck and is not decreased by smoothness.

Answer:

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