Final answer:
Using the kinematic equation for free fall, it takes approximately 5.05 seconds for an object starting from rest to fall 125 meters under Earth's gravity with no air resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calculating Fall Time for an Object in Free Fall
To solve for the time it takes for a freely falling object to fall 125 meters starting from rest, we apply the kinematic equation for uniformly accelerated motion:
s = ut + 0.5at^2
Where:
s is the distance fallen
u is the initial velocity (0 m/s because the object starts from rest)
a is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth)
t is the time in seconds
Substituting the given values and solving for t, we have:
125 = 0 + 0.5 * 9.81 * t^2
Rearranging and solving for t:
t^2 = (2 * 125) / 9.81t^2 ≈ 25.48t ≈ 5.05 seconds
Therefore, a freely falling object will take approximately 5.05 seconds to fall 125 meters, assuming there is no air resistance.