Step 1: Use the equation of motion
For a body dropped from rest, the equation for distance traveled under uniform acceleration due to gravity is:
\[
s = \frac{1}{2} g t^2
\]
where:
- \( s \) is the distance traveled (45 m),
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately \( 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)),
- \( t \) is the time taken (what we need to find).
Step 2: Substitute the given values
Substitute \( s = 45 \, \text{m} \) and \( g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \) into the equation:
\[
45 = \frac{1}{2} \times 9.8 \times t^2
\]
\[
45 = 4.9 \times t^2
\]
\[
t^2 = \frac{45}{4.9} = 9.18
\]
\[
t = \sqrt{9.18} \approx 3 \, \text{seconds}
\]
Answer: Therefore, the time taken for the stone to reach the ground is approximately 3 seconds. So, the correct answer is option (1).