Final answer:
The apple is dropped from a height of approximately 1317.9 meters using the formula for an object in free fall, which is h = ½gt².
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the height from which an apple is dropped by a plane ascending at a speed of 30.8 m/s, we need to calculate the apple's falling distance using the formula h = ½gt², where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²) and t is the time (16.4 s). In this case, the apple falls for 16.4 seconds and the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s². Plugging these values into the equation
Using the formula:
h = ½ * 9.8 m/s² * (16.4 s)²
h = 4.9 m/s² * 268.96 s²
h = 1317.9 m
Therefore, the apple is dropped from a height of approximately 1317.9 m.