Answer: [tex]4.65\ m/s[/tex]
Explanation:
Given
Distance putty has to travel is 3.5 m
The initial speed of putty is 9.50 m/s
Using equation of motion to determine the velocity of putty just before it hits ceiling
[tex]v^2-u^2=2as[/tex]
[tex]\Rightarrow v^2-(9.5)^2=2(-9.8)(3.5)\\\\\Rightarrow v^2=9.5^2-68.6\\\Rightarrow v=\sqrt{90.25-68.6}\\\Rightarrow v=4.65\ m/s[/tex]
So, the velocity of putty just before hitting is [tex]4.65\ m/s[/tex]