To determine the final velocity of the stone when it reaches the ground, we can use the equation of motion:
v = u + at
where:
- v is the final velocity
- u is the initial velocity (in this case, the stone is released from rest, so u = 0)
- a is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately -9.8 m/s^2, taking downward as the positive direction)
- t is the time taken (3 seconds)
Plugging in the values, we have:
v = 0 + (-9.8) * 3 v = -29.4 m/s
Therefore, the final velocity of the stone when it reaches the ground, assuming no air resistance and taking downward as the positive direction, is approximately -29.4 m/s. The negative sign indicates that the velocity is directed downward.