Final answer:
In Physics, a dolphin's ability to leap out of the water is due to it exerting a downward and backward force on the water, which propels it upward. Gravity does gradually slow its ascent until it stops at the peak, after which it falls back down.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Physics, specifically looking at forces and motion. When a dolphin leaps out of the water, gravity does not stop it immediately because the dolphin exerts a force on the water pushing downwards and backwards, which propels it upwards due to Newton's third law of action and reaction. The strong muscle movements create an initial velocity that allows the dolphin to jump out of the water. As it rises, the gravitational force gradually reduces its upward velocity to zero at the peak of its jump, after which it begins to fall back down. An example of this principle can be seen with a dolphin in an aquatic show that jumps straight up out of the water at a velocity of 13.0 m/s. The only force acting on the dolphin once it is out of the water is gravity, which causes it to decelerate at a rate of 9.80 m/s² (the acceleration due to gravity).