Since the stone was dropped from height, its initial velocity = 0 m/s
Using v² = u² + 2gs.
Where g ≈ 10 m/s², u = initial velocity = 0 m/s, s = height from drop = 2.5 m
v² = u² + 2gs
v² = 0² + 2102.5
v² = 0 + 50
v² = 50
v = √50
v ≈ 7.07 m/s
Hence velocity just before hitting the ground is ≈ 7.07 m/s
