How do you build a catapult in physics?

How do you build a catapult in physics?

Simple craft stick catapult:

  1. Stack five craft sticks together and wrap a rubber band around each end.
  2. Stack two craft sticks and wrap a rubber band around only one end.
  3. Slide the five sticks in-between the two sticks, as shown.
  4. Wrap a rubber band where the two sections meet to hold the catapult together.

What is the physics behind a catapult?

Catapult physics is basically the use of stored energy to hurl a projectile (the payload), without the use of an explosive. The three primary energy storage mechanisms are tension, torsion, and gravity. The catapult has proven to be a very effective weapon during ancient times, capable of inflicting great damage.

What makes a catapult go farther?

Use the tension of bungee cords as opposed to springs to power your catapult. The cords should be attached to the front of the catapult and at the front of the catapult arm. When the arm is pulled back, the tension in the cord will pull the arm forward.

What effect does the design of the catapult have on the flight path?

Bending farther means more elastic potential energy gets stored in the stick, and when you let go, all this potential energy is converted into energy of motion, so the missile flies through the air at a higher speed. In the case of your catapult, the missile probably flew higher and farther.

How far can a Mangonel shoot?

The range given for projectiles are 300, 180, and 120 feet. They were used as defensive weapons stationed on walls and sometimes hurled hollowed out logs filled with burning charcoal to destroy enemy siege works.

What type of catapult launches the farthest?

A trebuchet (French: trébuchet) is a type of catapult that uses a long arm to throw a projectile. It was a common powerful siege engine until the advent of gunpowder. The design of a trebuchet allows it to launch projectiles of greater weights further distances than that of a traditional catapult.

What physics motions are catapults known for?

A catapult is a launching device that allows us to experimentally observe projectile motion (see Figure 1). Once the ball is launched, the only forces acting are gravity and air resistance.

What type of force does a catapult use?

elastic force
What forces do catapults and trebuchets use? Catapults: Catapults take advantage of elastic force, involving stretched, compressed, bent, or twisted material. To prepare a catapult to launch a rock, it takes work to twist a rope (provide torsion), to stretch a rubber band (provide tension), or bend wood.

What type of catapult shoots the farthest?

Why is 45 degrees the best angle?

Originally Answered: Why is 45 degrees the optimal angle for projectiles? It maximizes the projectile’s range (the horizontal distance the projectile travels). Aiming too high causes the projectile to fly higher into the air at a reduced range.

What types of forces are involved in launching an object from a catapult?

What are some objects that use to be launched from a catapult?

Weapons of War Catapults vaulted incendiary objects, arrows, stones of all sizes, and even corpses and vectors of pestilence into or over castle walls.

How does a catapult work physics?

Catapult Physics. The twisted rope is commonly referred to as a torsion bundle. It consists of several lengths of rope with the arm inserted in between them. The rope is then twisted manually on both sides of the arm using levers. Upon release, the torsion bundle rotates the arm at high speed, launching the payload.

How do you make a catapult out of plywood?

The 18″ side of your plywood will be vertical to your 36″ plank, its base parallel with the 36″ plank, and its diagonal will approximately span the distance between the two ends each 2×4 plank. Screw down your triangle securely to your 2x4s. This forms one base leg of your catapult.

Can you use popsicle sticks as catapults?

And if you are finished playing with the popsicle stick catapults, you can always just take them apart and use the popsicle sticks for other crafts or projects! Even the catapult designs that use hot glue could be salvaged for parts by simply cutting off the section that has the hot glue.

What do you need to make a catapult work?

Since your catapult utilizes such powerful forces to eject its payload, you will need a strong and sturdy platform for launching as well as a strong and stable foundation. Poor foundation can throw off your aim or cause your catapult to fail.