A student falls off a cliff into the lake 54.0 m below. What is the final velocity of the student?

= -32.53 m / s

this velocity is directed downwards

Explanation:

This is a free fall exercise, let's use the expression

          = v_{oy}^{2} + 2 g (y -yo)

where we are assuming that there is friction with the air, as the body falls its initial velocity is zero

         v_{oy} = √ 2g (y - y₀)

let's calculate

         v_{y} = √ (2 9.8 (0-54.0))

          = -32.53 m / s

this velocity is directed downwards