A small rubber ball is launched by a compressed$-$air cannon from ground level with an initial speed of $14\mathrm{.}4$ m$/$s directly upward. Choose upward as the positive direction in your analysis.

$($a$)$ What is the maximum height above the ground that the ball reaches?

m

$($b$)$ How long does it take to reach the maximum height?

s

$($c$)$ How long does it take to reach the ground after it reaches its highest point?

s

$($d$)$ What is its velocity just before it hits the ground? $($Indicate the direction with the sign of your answer.$)$ m$/$s