Projectile Motion: Motion in Two Dimensions
Shoot the Monkey
PIRA Class: 1D60.30

Purpose
To demonstrate the independence of horizontal velocity and vertical acceleration

Description
A monkey (with a steel hat) hangs from an electromagnet. Student "fires" a ball through the blow gun - and hits the falling monkey every time (When the ball exits the blow gun the electromagnet circuit is triggered and thus the ball and monkey fall at the same rate, at the same time)
1. Monkey, gun, electromagnet and power supply will be set up in classroom
2. Turn on power supply to electromagnet (3V) and place monkey's steel hat in contact with electromagnet. Do this directly before performing demonstration.
3. Sight the blow "gun" on monkey's chest & adjust ramp's slope if necessary
4. Insert white ball at base of gun & blow (not too strongly)
NOTE: Practice shooting beforehand to determine the right blowing force
CAUTION: Do not leave electromagnet on while lecturing. After the demonstration, turn off electromagnet current to prevent overheating.

Equipment
Blow Gun & electromagnet set, Monkey w/ metal hat, Projectile (yellow plastic ball)
Support Equipment
Power Supply
Laser Pointer