Define
u = 16 m/s, the vertical launch velocity
g = acceleration due to gravity, measured positive downward
s = vertical distance traveled
t = 21.2 s, total time of travel.
The vertical motion obeys the equation
s = ut - (1/2)gt²
When the rock is at ground level, s = 0.
Therefore
(16 m/s)(21.2 s) - 0.5*(g m/s²)*(21.2 s)² = 0
339.2 - 224.72g = 0
g = 1.5094 m/s²
Answer:
The acceleration due to gravity is 1.509 m/s² measured positive downward.
