Catapults.

[Sgarner]

How does the size and shape of the catapult itself affect the path of the projectile being thrown?

[norman40]

Hello Sgarner,

Quite a few factors might affect the distance and trajectory of a projectile thrown by a catapult. A catapult is basically a lever that uses a spring (or a weight) to throw a projectile. A longer lever or more spring tension will increase the distance a projectile is thrown. The trajectory of the projectile - how high it is lofted - will be affected by the release angle, or where the lever motion is stopped.

There are several projects involving catapults listed at this website. Reading through the background information provided with these projects might help you research your question.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p008.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p046.shtml

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p089.shtml

Also, quite a lot of information is available on how catapults work and the differences in catapult designs. I've listed three links below that may be useful.

http://webapps.yarmouth.k12.me.us/~mric ... lcome.html

https://sites.google.com/site/physicsof ... s/mangonel

http://www.real-world-physics-problems. ... ysics.html

I hope this helps. Please post again if you have more questions.

A. Norman