Final answer:
The rate of carbon dioxide production is higher when apple slices are in nitrogen compared to when they are in the air due to reduced oxygen levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon dioxide production is higher in nitrogen than in air because it is due to reduced oxygen levels. When apple slices are in nitrogen, there is less oxygen available for respiration. As a result, the apple slices switch to anaerobic respiration, which produces more carbon dioxide compared to aerobic respiration in the presence of oxygen.