Catapult Project

Catapult Project

 Sketch -

Question - How does building a catapult allow us to better comprehend 2 dimensional motion in physics?

 Hypothesis - I believe my catapult will fulfill its purpose, but not launch as far I’d hope, since it is my first time making one.

 Background information - During the Middle Ages catapults served as important weapons; but not just any catapult one, with the trebuchet design. These were used to hurl heavy stones to smash castles and city walls, even reducing them to rubble. 'Trebuchet' derives from the old French word "trebucher" meaning to throw over.

 Variables - There are two different types of variables present in any experiment, dependent and independent. An independent variable is one that can be manipulated

3) Create an "H" with popsicle sticks, the top ends leaning towards each other. Repeat.

4) Glue both onto base, leaving some space in between diagonally; placing the washers in between.

5) Insert pencil through the washers, with the tape create thick layers winding it around both ends.

6) Create a 'Y'; using five popsicle sticks (1x2x2). Placing one across. Create a small cradle like structure (or a bottle top), attaching it to the one-sided stick.

7) Attach throwing arm to pencil. Place a hole in the middle of the last stick to create the counter weight carrier.

8) Make a counter weight by inserting heavy pieces (stones, coins) in a bag (or cloth), tying a string around it and putting it through the hole.

9) Place projectile of choice in cradle, launch.

 Raw data - I expected my catapult to launch farther, but I can see how the unstableness of the arm and unsteadiness of the counterweight does interfere with my expectations.

 Error - Experimental errors would include those done by the person carrying out the task. This could include setting up the experiment incorrectly, or a simple