You build a \(2.0-\mathrm{kg}\) mound of mashed potatoes on a kitchen scale (which is a spring scale). You then use a large spoon to press on the top of the mound at a constant force of \(3.0 \mathrm{~N}\). While you are doing this, the scale reading increases by \(5.0 \%\).

(a) What is the acceleration of the center of mass of the potatoes?

(b) Describe what happens to the shape of the mound and the scale reading as time goes by.