According to the equation of motion under gravity:
v2−u2=2 gs
Where,
u = Initial velocity of the stone
v = Final velocity of the stone
s = Height of the stone
g = Acceleration due togravity
Here u = 0, s = 19.6 m and g = 9.8 ms−2
∴v2−02=2×9.8×19.6
v2=2×9.8×19.6=384.16
v=19.6 ms−1
Hence, the velocity of the stone just before touching the ground is 19.6 ms−1