Shoot the Free Falling Target

(aka: Shoot the Monkey)

Introduction:

A projectile is launched at an angle. A target is released the instant the projectile is launched. This is accomplished by a photo gate and an electromagnet. The photo gate is placed around the opening of the projectile launcher and connected to the electromagnet, which holds the target in place. When the projectile interrupts the photo gate, the electromagnet shuts off and the target falls. The projectile hits the target if the launcher is aimed at the initial position of the target. The faster the projectile is launched, the higher the target is hit. There is, of course, a minimum initial speed for the projectile to hit the target.

Set-up Time: Novice = 20 minutes, Experienced = 5 minutes

Shoot the Monkey Theory

Shoot the Monkey - Set-up Movie

Shoot the Monkey - Low Initial Velcity Movie

Shoot the Monkey - Medium Initial Velcity Movie

Shoot the Monkey - High Initial Velcity Movie