During liftoff, a hot air balloon accelerates upward at a rate of 3.3m/s^2. The balloonist drops a sand bag over the side of the gondola when the speed is 15 m/s.
What is the magnitude of the object's acceleration after it's released (relative to the ground)?
What is the direction of the object's acceleration after it is released? [downward, horizontal, upward]
How long does it take to hit the ground?