Let us list out what we know from the question.
Initial Velocity [tex]V_{i} = 0[/tex] since the piton is 'dropped'.
Vertical Displacement of the piton D = 215 m
Acceleration due to gravity [tex]a = 9.8 m/s^{2}[/tex]
Final Velocity [tex]V_{f} = ?[/tex]
Using the equation, [tex]V^{2} _{f} = V^{2} _{i} + 2aD[/tex] and plugging in the known values, we get
[tex]V^{2} _{f} = 0^{2} + 2(9.8)(215)[/tex]
Simplifying by taking square-root on both sides gives us [tex]V_{f} = 64.915 m/s[/tex]
Thus, the speed of the piton just before striking the ground is 65 m/s.
