Answer to Question #250300 in Mechanics | Relativity for gel an

Question

1.      Where does this catapult/trebuchet exhibit potential energy? Where does it exhibit kinetic energy?

1.      How does the size of the arm or angle effect on the distance traveled? Why?

2.      Using a ruler or protractor, measure three different positions for the arm or angle of the catapult/trebuchet. Using these three placements, launch the marble ball from each. Measure the distance each of the launches went. (Insert a documentary picture while launching the projectile)

Answer 1

1.

Catapults store potential energy by stretching ropes and rubber bands and by bending and flexing a lever arm of wood or plastic. The more energy you pull back, the farther your projectile will go. When the projectile is released it converts the potential elastic energy into kinetic energy due to its motion.

In a catapult, an object is held in a basket at the end of an arm, which is pulled tight against the ground to maximize potential energy. When the arm is released, the basket sends the object flying into the air, transforming the potential energy into kinetic energy.

2.

Increasing length of the throwing arm, also increases the horizontal distance travelled by the thrown object.

The angle at which the throwing arm is pulled back to will affect both the distance the projectile will travel and also the height that it reaches when in the air.