Step-by-step explanation:
We can use the kinematic equation for free-fall motion to find the time it takes for the penny to hit the ground:
h = 1/2 * g * t^2
where h is the height of the hot air balloon (52 m), g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s^2), and t is the time it takes for the penny to hit the ground (which we want to find).
Solving for t, we get:
t = sqrt(2h/g)
Substituting the given values, we get:
t = sqrt(2 * 52 m / 9.81 m/s^2)
t = sqrt(10.5871 s^2)
t ≈ 3.26 seconds (rounded to two decimal places)
Therefore, it takes approximately 3.26 seconds for the penny to hit the ground.