Building a Catupult - Research Paper Example

Range : The range is the distance covered by the ball after launch. The maximum range for parabolic path which the ball covers can be obtained at an angle of 45°. The horizontal distance from the point of launch to the point where the ball falls gives the range. 2. Trajectory : It is the path covered the ball, from the catapult after the launch the trajectory of the ball is parabolic. 3. Velocity : The rate of change of displacement is termed as the velocity. For a parabolic path the velocity of ball will be taken as the horizontal and vertical component of velocity at different points. 4. Newton’s three laws are applied in the working of the catapult.

The first law states an object continues to remain in its state of rest or motion until and unless an external force is applied. The ball starts motion only after the sling or in our catapult the throwing arm is pressed and released and it stops where the forces due to gravity, air resistance etc. stop the ball. Second law states that force is directly proportion to the acceleration of the body and acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass, increasing the mass of projectile or ball will decrease acceleration and force required will increase.

Third law states that to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, the ball accelerates towards earth, the earth also accelerates due to the ball but the acceleration of earth due to ball is so negligible that it does not have any effect. Future engineering: The length of the arm and the overall size can be adjusted proportionately according to the range required to cover. Apart from this depending on the mass of the projectile that has to be thrown the type of material can be selected that withstands the load.

May be more of metal than wood next time I rebuild the catapult. This was scope for building advanced catapults according to our range requirements. For more projects in future I would begin with a study of the history of design of the particular project I choose. I’ll then choose the most appropriate kind of design that suits my requirements. After the necessary mathematical calculations according to the conditions and requirements will start with a rough design .The model can be prepared and tested.

Changes will be made accordingly as per the results required till we reach close the desired results. Working in team is always efficient than working individually. The best abilities of everyone in the team come together to give good results .Working with a partner enabled to overcome my areas of weakness and we were able to complement each other’s specialisation. Also operating the model that is the catapult in our current project is not possible to handle alone. Once the catapult is fixed to the launching position it is necessary for someone to check the barrier so that the arm doesn’t slip while the other person launches the ball.

Then to keep the record of the range ( i.e. the point where the ball falls and the time it takes) someone has to be there to keep a check. Teamwork was also enjoying and less stressful as the partners always encouraged and monitored continuously each other’s mistakes. The project work has been really interesting as the theoretical concepts became clear as we learned to apply them. This also encourages to take up more projects in future and work together to innovate new ideas. Physics involved in the building of catapult : The velocity