The goal of this project was to build a trebuchet or catapult that would launch a projectile as far as possible. Each group tested different variables that could affect how far the projectile went. After collecting data all the groups came together to share their results so modifications could be made. With the new data every group created a new firing device that fired the projectile as far as possible.
Content:After all the groups came together to share their results from the individual tests my group and I changed our original design to match results from the tests conducted by other groups. Below is a list of the things we changed and how they positively impacted our project.
- Max Amount of Rubber Bands (9):We used the maximum amount of rubber bands in our trebuchet to provide the most amount of force in firing our projectile. We found that our trebuchet could support a total of 9 rubber bands before the wood that we used for our arm snapped. The more force we had the farther the projectile would fly.
- Nail Angle is at 0 Degrees: We made the modification of changing the nail angle to 0 degrees or directly even with the arm of our catapult because when the projectile is released at the top of the arc the nail is sticking straight up. This gives the projectile the most amount of potential energy possible.
- 2 to 1 Ratio for Arm Length: We used a ratio of 2 to 1 for our arm because it threw the projectile the farthest distance than any other arm length. The farther the release point was from our fulcrum the more distance there was to increase the velocity of our projectile which would make the projectile go to its maximum distance.
- 40 Inch String Attached to the Ball: We used a 40 inch string to attach the projectile to the nail because it was short enough to not drag on the ground and cause extra friction but it was long enough to stay on the nail until the perfect release angle. This gave the projectile 0more time to gain velocity while on the arm.
- 8 Gram Ball: My group and I used an 8 gram clay ball as our projectile because it was small enough to not cause lots of air resistance but it had enough mass to fly through the air effectively.
- 34 cm High Fulcrum: We used a 34cm high fulcrum because it was the highest fulcrum we could have while staying within the restrictions of this project. We found that the higher the fulcrum was the better, because the higher the release point the more potential energy the projectile had and the more potential energy the projectile had the farther it would go.
Reflection: This project was very fun and educational and taught me many things about physics and working in groups. One positive that I took away from this project is the knowledge of how to build the perfect catapult. The aspects that made our project work can be used in future projects where these concepts are needed. Another positive that I learned is how to take data from multiple groups and use it to my advantage in my project. When used effectively, working together with many different groups can improve the overall project.
Two negative things that I am still improving on is my time management and leadership. If my group and I used every day productively there would have been more time to make sure the trebuchet worked 100% of the time to its max potential. My leadership also needs to be improved, in future projects I need to take a more prominent role in the project and not get off task as often. If these things are improved I will have a successful future in school.
Two negative things that I am still improving on is my time management and leadership. If my group and I used every day productively there would have been more time to make sure the trebuchet worked 100% of the time to its max potential. My leadership also needs to be improved, in future projects I need to take a more prominent role in the project and not get off task as often. If these things are improved I will have a successful future in school.