The initial velocity of the stone is 0 ft/s. Given the initial velocity (Vi), final velocity (Vf), and acceleration due to gravity (g), the distance may be calculated through the equation,
d = ((Vf)² - (Vi)²) / 2g
Substituting the known values,
d = ((96 ft/s)² - 0))/ (2x32.2)
The value of d is 143.10 ft.