Answer
$a). 9.8 m/s^{2}$
$b). 4.69s$
Work Step by Step
$v=u+at$
a). after the object is released, its acceleration with respect to the ground is $9.8 m/s^{2}$ in vertically downward direction.
b). $v^{2}=u^{2}+2aS$
$15^{2}=0+2(3)S$
$S=\frac{225}{6}=37.5m$
Now.$S=ut+\frac{1}{2}at^{2}$
or, $37.5=-15t+0.5\times 9.8\times t^{2}$
$t=4.69s$