Final answer:
Using the kinematic equation v² = u² + 2 g h, with the final velocity of 40 ft/s and acceleration due to gravity of 32 ft/s², the height of the cliff is calculated to be 25 ft.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the height of the cliff from which a stone was dropped and hit the ground with a speed of 40 ft/s, considering the acceleration due to gravity is 32 ft/s², we can use the kinematic equation:
v² = u² + 2 g h
where v is the final velocity, u is the initial velocity (0 ft/s in this case, as the stone was dropped), g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height. Substituting in our known values:
(40 ft/s)² = (0 ft/s)² + 2(32 ft/s²)(h)
Solving for h, we have:
1600 ft²/s² = 64 ft/s² * h
h = 1600 ft²/s² / 64 ft/s²
h = 25 ft
Thus, the height of the cliff is 25 ft.