Understanding the Concepts
* Free Fall: The mass is falling freely under the influence of gravity.
* Acceleration Due to Gravity (g): The acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s². This means the velocity of the object increases by 9.8 meters per second every second it falls.
* Initial Velocity (v₀): Since the mass is starting from rest, its initial velocity is 0 m/s.
* Distance (d): The distance the mass falls is 80 meters.
Using the Equations of Motion
We can use the following equation of motion to find the final velocity (v):
v² = v₀² + 2 * g * d
Plugging in the Values
* v₀ = 0 m/s
* g = 9.8 m/s²
* d = 80 m
v² = 0² + 2 * 9.8 m/s² * 80 m
v² = 1568 m²/s²
v = √1568 m²/s²
v ≈ 39.6 m/s
Therefore, the velocity of the 75 kg mass just before hitting the ground is approximately 39.6 m/s.
