PHYSICS CATAPULT
The catapult has proven to be a very effective weapon during ancient times. The main types of catapults used were the trebuchet, mangonel, onager, and ballista. A catapultis a mechanism used to throw missiles in ancient and medieval warfare. At first, catapults were specifically designed to shoot spears or other missiles at a low trajectory. They were originally distinguished from ballistae and trebuchets, both of which were large military engines used to hurl stones and other missiles, but these distinctions later blurred. Soon after, larger catapults mounted on a single arm also hurled stones, pots of boiling oil, and incendiaries at a high trajectory. They were used to attack or defend fortifications. Catapults were widely employed in siege warfare, but with the introduction of artillery they passed from use. In the 20th century catapults using hydraulic pressure were reintroduced to launch aircraft from warships.
OBJECTIVE: The goal of the project is to increase your understanding of motion in two dimensions by building a catapult to launch a marshmallow, and by collecting and analyzing your data.
GUIDELINES: Your catapult will need to be able to launch a marshmallow (large variety – 4cmx4cmx4cm) a distance between 3-6m. The catapult should fit into a half meter square. Should be able to vary the angle you launch from to reach various distances.
No explosions or air pressure may be used to assist the performance of your catapult. In other words, the energy used to power your catapult must be provided by the device itself.
What concepts do I need to learn to accomplish this project?
Due Dates:
Design and Reasoning October 10thCOMPLETED LAB REPORT DUE:
Catapult BuildOctober 22nd Thursday, October 24th
Catapult LaunchOctober 22nd
Catapult Project Grading SheetGroup members:
Presentation:
(10 pts) / 3 min (1)
Design description (1)
Explanation of Data (3)
Catapult:
(5 pts) / Has Catapult
Launch:
(10 pts) / No Launch (0) / Travels 6 meters (10)
Travels 3 meters (5) / Additional meters (1 each)
Lab Report:
(60pts) / Introduction (5)
Materials (5)
Method/Procedure (10)
Data/Analysis (15)
Horizontal Velocity (2) / Vertical Distance (2)
Vertical Velocity (2) / Horizontal Distance (2)
Resultant Velocity (2) / Data Table & showing work (5)
Discussion (15)
Analyze relationship between data collected and discuss possible errors
Closing (10)
Discuss hypothesis, content learned, suggestions for future experiment
Work Ethic: / Catapult design and reasoning: (5) / Due / Oct 11th
(15 pts) / Catapult completed: (5) / Due / Oct 18th
Catapult testing: (5) / Due / Oct 23rd
***Based on peer reviews at end of project, these points may not be awarded to each student.***
Notes:
***Extra 10 points for hitting target on Presentation day***