The time it takes for a ball to complete the trip is given to be 4.10 s. This implies that the trip going up of the ball is equal to 2.05 s. Using this time to determine the initial speed, we have,
Vf = Vo - gt
Vf is the final speed which is equal to 0 on the topmost location of the ball.
0 = Vo - (9.8 m/s²)(2.05 s)
Vo = 20.09 m/s
At 0.5 s,
Vf = 20.09 m/s - (9.8 m/s²)(0.5 s)
Vf = 15.19 m/s
Thus, the speed of the ball when the height is in level with the top of the flagpole is 15.19 m/s.