Final answer:
When an airplane is well above the runway after takeoff and established in a climb, its acceleration is determined by various factors such as the angle of climb, engine power, and air resistance. The airplane gains altitude while gradually slowing down its forward speed. The acceleration of a climbing airplane allows it to gain altitude while maintaining a controlled forward speed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an airplane is well above the runway after takeoff and established in a climb, its acceleration is determined by various factors such as the angle of climb, engine power, and air resistance. In general, during a climb, the airplane experiences a positive acceleration in the vertical direction and a decrease in acceleration in the horizontal direction. This means that the airplane is gaining altitude while gradually slowing down its forward speed.
For example, when a jet takes off from an aircraft carrier, it initially experiences a high acceleration on the deck due to the combined forces of jet propulsion and the catapult. As it leaves the deck, its acceleration decreases to a constant value at a certain angle with respect to the horizontal. The altitude reached by the fighter 5.0 s after leaving the deck can be determined by integrating the acceleration over time.
Overall, the acceleration of a climbing airplane allows it to gain altitude while maintaining a controlled forward speed.