When the stone is dropped, it acquires the initial velocity of the balloon. Taking the upward direction as positive, the initial velocity of the stone is u=10 m/s.
The displacement of the stone when it hits the ground is S=−75 m, and its acceleration is a=−g=−10 m/s2.
Using the equation of motion S=ut+21at2:
−75=10t−21(10)t2
−75=10t−5t2
5t2−10t−75=0
t2−2t−15=0
(t−5)(t+3)=0
Since time cannot be negative, t=5 s.
During this time, the balloon continues to move upwards with a constant velocity of 10 m/s. The distance travelled by the balloon in 5 s is:
d=v×t=10×5=50 m
The total height of the balloon when the stone hits the ground is:
H=75+50=125 m
Answer: 125