A bird is flying with a speed of 18.2 m/s over water when it accidentally drops a 2.20 kg fish. The acceleration of gravity is 9.81 m/s . If the altitude of the bird is 8.30 m and air resistance is disregarded, what is the speed of the fish when it hits the water? Answer in units of m/s.

Given that -

initial speed of bird (v_i) = 18.2 m/s

Altitude of bird (h) = 8.30 m

The acceleration of gravity (g) = 9.81 m/s²

To find the speed of the fish when it hits the water (v_f) -

By energy conservation -

work done by gravity = change in kinetic energy

(mgh) = (1/2) * m * v_f² - (1/2) * m * v_i²

v_f² = 2gh + v_i²

put the value in above equation ,

v_f² = 2 * 9.81 * 8.30 + (18.2)²

v_f² = 162.846 + 331.24

v_f² = 494.086

v_f = 22.2 m/s

So the speed of the fish when it hits the water is 22.2 m/s