Question

question 10.
which statement best describes newtons first law of motion as it applies to the hockey puck after the player takes a slap shot?
a. the puck will not move since there is only a small force acting on it.
b. the puck will continue to slide in a straight line at a constant speed until acted upon by an external force.
c. the puck will slow down immediately after being struck by the stick.
d. the puck will change direction randomly on the ice.

Explanation:

Newton's First Law of Motion states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. After the player takes a slap - shot, the puck is in motion. Option B correctly aligns with this law as it describes the puck maintaining its state of motion (straight - line, constant - speed) until an external force (like friction, another player's stick, etc.) acts on it. Option A is wrong because the puck is already in motion after the slap - shot. Option C implies an immediate change in motion without considering the law's principle of maintaining motion. Option D about random direction change has no basis in Newton's First Law.

Answer:

B. The puck will continue to slide in a straight line at a constant speed until acted upon by an external force.