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