```
d = v * t
```
Where:
* d = Horizontal distance (in meters or any unit of length)
* v = Horizontal velocity of the object (in meters per second)
* t = Time elapsed since the object was dropped (in seconds)
To determine the values for v and t:
1. Horizontal Velocity (v):
Assume that the plane is flying in a straight line at a constant horizontal velocity (v). This velocity can be obtained from the plane's specifications or measurements.
2. Time Elapsed (t):
Calculate the time (t) elapsed since the object was dropped. You can do this by measuring the time it takes the object to hit the ground using a stopwatch or other appropriate means. Alternatively, you can estimate the time using the object's initial height (h) and acceleration due to gravity (g) using this equation:
```
t = sqrt(2 * h / g)
```
Where:
- t = Time elapsed (in seconds)
- h = Initial height (in meters)
- g = Acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 meters per second squared)
By substituting the values for v and t into the formula (d = v * t), you can determine the horizontal distance (d) covered by the object before hitting the ground.