Final answer:
The rock took approximately 22.86 seconds to hit the ground.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the time it takes for the rock to hit the ground, we can use the equation:
distance = average speed * time
Since the rock falls off an 80-meter cliff, the distance is 80 meters.
So, we can rearrange the equation to solve for time:
time = distance / average speed
Plugging in the values we have, time = 80 meters / 3.5 m/s = 22.86 seconds. Therefore, the rock took approximately 22.86 seconds to hit the ground.