1D60.30 - Shoot the Monkey

Code Number:
1D60.30
Demo Title:
Shoot the Monkey
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Gravitational Acceleration vs Horizontal Velocity
Area of Study:
Mechanics

Disclaimer

Equipment:
Stuffed Monkey with Target Plate, Magnetic Coil, Control Box with Air Line, Air Gun, Ammunition (Small Steel Balls), Spring-Loaded Gun, Steel Ball for Gun (Solid), Steel Ball for Gun (Hole in Middle), and the Shoot the Monkey App. from Pasco.
Procedure:

The setup is pretty much self evident from the photographs, with special attention to three parts.  Make sure the electronic plug from the air gun is plugged into the control box right side up.  Connect the air hose to the proper end of the air gun (the end opposite the photocell).  Load ammunition into the gun before pressing the reset button and positioning the monkey.

The Pasco apparatus works much the same with two minor variations.  The first is that this uses a spring gun and not an air gun.  The second is the make up of the magnet that hold the monkey.  Instead of having a continuously energized electromagnet, this uses a permanent magnet that is momentarily canceled with a electromagnet.

References:
  • Mark Winstein, "Rolling Balls For Projectile Motion", TPT, Vol. 42, #6, Sept. 2004, p. 378.
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  • Traci Maxted, "Monkey and Hunter Demonstration", Dec. 1993.
  • Julius Sumner Miller, Q162 & A162, Millergrams II – Some More Enchanting Questions for Enquiring Minds, p. 37 & 94.





Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.