Ma-2 Monkey and Bullet
Published: Monday 20 February 2006 - Updated: Wednesday 18 April 2007
Aim
To demonstrate that the accelleration experienced by a freely falling body is identical to the acceleration experienced by the vertical component of a particle in projectile motion.
Apparatus
- Electromagnet
- Toy monkey
- Projectile apparatus
Diagrams
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Description
The apparatus consists of a "gun" aimed at a toy monkey suspended by an electromagnet. The bullet on leaving the barrell activates a light sensitive switch which releases the monkey.
The gun is aimed to hit the monkey's mid section. The bullet is inserted into the barrell and held between an extended rubber band. Releasing the rubber band sends the projectile on its way. The experiment may be repeated with different initial velocity so that the collision occurs at different points of the monkey's falling path.