v₀ = initial velocity of the mass = 0 m/s (since the mass falls from rest)
a = acceleration = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s²
d = vertical distance traveled = 12 m
v = final velocity of the mass
Using the kinematics equation
v² = v₀² + 2 a d
v² = 0² + 2 (9.8) (12)
v² = 235.2
v = √235.2
v = 15 m/s
hence the speed of mass comes out to be
b) 15 m/s