Step 1: Apply the equation of motion For an object released from rest, the distance covered under constant gravitational acceleration is described by:\[s = \frac{1}{2} g t^2\]Where:- \( s \) represents the distance traveled (45 m).- \( g \) denotes the acceleration due to gravity (approximately \( 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)).- \( t \) is the duration of the fall (the unknown).Step 2: Insert provided data Substitute \( s = 45 \, \text{m} \) and \( g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \) into the equation:\[45 = \frac{1}{2} \times 9.8 \times t^2\]Simplify the equation:\[45 = 4.9 \times t^2\]Isolate \( t^2 \):\[t^2 = \frac{45}{4.9} \approx 9.18\]Calculate \( t \):\[t = \sqrt{9.18} \approx 3 \, \text{seconds}\]Conclusion: The estimated time for the object to hit the ground is 3 seconds. This corresponds to option (1).