a. An object of mass m is at rest at the top of a smooth slope of height h and length L. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the object and the surface, μ_k , is small enough that the object will slide down the slope if given a very small push to get it started. Find an expression for the object’s speed at the bottom of the slope.

b. Sam, whose mass is 75 kg, stands at the top of a 12-m-high, 100-m-long snow-covered slope. His skis have a coefficient of kinetic friction on snow of 0.07. If he uses his poles to get started, then glides down, what is his speed at the bottom?