The parcel will undergo projectile motion, which means that it will have motion in both the horizontal and vertical direction.
First, we determine how long the parcel will fall using:
s = ut + 1/2 at²
where s will be the height, u is the initial vertical velocity of the parcel (0), t is the time of fall and a is the acceleration due to gravity.
5.5 = (0)(t) + 1/2 (9.81)(t)²
t = 1.06 seconds
Now, we may use this time to determine the horizontal distance covered by the parcel by using:
distance = velocity * time
The horizontal velocity of the parcel will be equal to the horizontal velocity of the cruise liner.
Distance = 10 * 1.06
Distance = 10.6 meters
The boat should be 10.6 meters away horizontally from the point of release.
