Catapult Project
Catapult Due: Thursday, October 25th Paper Due: Friday, October 26th
For this project you will be required to build a catapult. Through research you will find there are several different types of catapults. It is your choice on the type of catapult to build. There are no size regulations for the catapult; it can be as big or small as you want. You will be graded on how far and how accurate your catapult can launch a tennis ball.
In addition to building a catapult you will be required to write a paper that will be used to assess your reading and writing skills. For this paper you will have to explain how your catapult worked and explain the physics behind it.
While writing the paper the following topics must be used.
Topics:
Projectile motion: including max angle and how the angle of your catapult affected your results.
Use your estimated angle and range to estimate the launch velocity of your catapult. Show calculations.
Potential and Kinetic Energy: how are the two related in the project?
Centripetal and Centrifugal force
Work
Power
Torque
Each topic should be defined. Explain how each topic relates to the project. Underline each topic.
Grading
Grading will be based on how your catapult performs in distance, accuracy, and design. These grades will be averaged together to give you your final grade. In order to get full credit for the project your catapult must go at least 10 m. For every meter under 10 meters you will lose 5 points on a 50 point scale. Grading for distance will be based on the performance of you catapult compared to others. First place will receive a 50, second a 49, third a 48, etc… The target for accuracy will be placed 10 m away from the launch position. The center of the target is 50 points as you move away from the target it drops to 45, 40, etc… You will get 5 attempts at the target and your points will be averaged together. You will all grade each others catapults on design. The grades of all three will be averaged together to give you your final grade.