Question

Stick Catapult Project Part 2

Estimate the potential elastic energy from the kinetic energy.

Givens:

Angle: 21 degrees

Time from launch to when it hits ground: 1.47 sec

Distance traveled: 71.4 inches (1.81m )

Height from ground to the top of the catapult arm: 2.2 inches (.05588m)

mass: 2.500g

Answer 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.