Chapter 6, Problem 73A

To determine

Whether the dart hit the monkey when the zoologist aims a tranquilizer gun at a monkey which is hanging from a tree branch that is at gun's range.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

During a free fall earth attract every object towards itself by gravitational force.

Yes, dart will hit the monkey.As the dart leaves the barrel of gun the force acting on the dart is gravity. When monkey leaves the branch and falls down due to gravity.The constant vertical acceleration due to gravityaffect the monkey and the dart in same way.As the dart travelshorizontally to reach the branch it coverssame vertical distance in downward directionwhich monkey covers after leaving the branch. That’s why it will hit the monkey.

Conclusion:

Dart will hit the monkey.