Final answer:
The height of the elevator can be described by the function h(t) = -16t^2 + 500, where h(t) is the height in feet and t is the time in seconds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The height of the elevator can be described by the function h(t) = -16t^2 + 500, where h(t) is the height in feet and t is the time in seconds. This function represents the elevator descending without stopping from the top floor, starting at a height of 500 feet above the ground floor.
To find the height after a certain amount of time, simply substitute the time value into the function. For example, to find the height after 17 seconds, evaluate h(17) = -16(17)^2 + 500.
Simplifying, we get h(17) = 500 - 4624 = -4124. Therefore, after 17 seconds, the height of the elevator is -4124 feet. Since negative heights do not make physical sense, the elevator is at the ground floor at this point.