Final answer:
The final velocity of a package dropped from an air balloon depends on the time taken to fall and the acceleration due to gravity. The formula to calculate the final velocity is v = gt. By finding the time of fall in both trials and substituting it into the formula, we can compare the final velocities of the packages.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a package is dropped from an air balloon, it falls under the influence of gravity. In this case, we can assume that there is no air resistance. The final velocity of an object in free fall is determined by the time it takes to fall and the acceleration due to gravity. The formula to calculate the final velocity is v = gt, where v is the final velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2 on Earth), and t is the time of fall.
In the first trial, the package is dropped from a height H. The time it takes to fall can be calculated using the equation h = (1/2)gt^2, where h is the distance fallen. Rearranging the equation, we get t = sqrt(2h/g). Substituting the value of h = H, we find the time taken to fall in the first trial.
In the second trial, the package is dropped from a height 4H. Using the same equation, we can find the time taken to fall in the second trial. Once we have the time taken to fall in both trials, we can substitute it back into the equation v = gt to find the final velocities of the packages right before they hit the ground.