[Hoodat]

a. 1.25 seconds
b. 5.00 seconds

[kenavi]

a. 1.25 seconds
b. 5.00 seconds

Could you explain your answer?

I believe the formula for the force of gravity is 32 feet per second squared.

If that is correct, then the time to drop 300 feet is:
32t(squared)=300. t equals 4 and 11/16 seconds (4.6875 sec.)

I cannot figure out (a). The object goes up at 20 ft./sec, with gravity pushing it down at 32 feet per second square. It seems like at 5/8 seconds, the force of gravity exceeds the force of the toss, and the object starts to descend. If I am correct in that, then your answer of "1.25 seconds" presumes that the object descends at the same speed with which it ascended, but that can't be right.

Also, if you calculate that it takes 1.25 seconds for object to ascend and then return to its starting point (300 ft. up), then that would leave only 3.75 seconds for it to go from 300 feet to hit the ground, since your answer (b) is "5 seconds" for it to hit the ground after initial release (thus, 5 seconds minus 1.25 seconds equals 3.75 seconds).

[Teacher317]

and I thought I was the only nerd who was more interested in answering the question! =^)