Final answer:
Using the free fall distance formula s = 0.5gt^2 and inserting the given time of 3 seconds, the ball was dropped from a height of approximately 44.145 meters.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the height from which a ball was dropped when it hits the ground after 3 seconds, we can use the formula for the distance s covered in free fall: s = ½gt², where g is the acceleration due to gravity approximately 9.81 m/s² and t is the time in seconds. Inserting the given time of 3 seconds, we get s = 0.5 × 9.81 m/s² × (3 s)². Calculating, s = 0.5 × 9.81 × 9, which equals 44.145 meters. Therefore, the ball was approximately dropped from a height of 44.145 meters.