Andrea, Rhenz, and Giovanni-Physics-Period 2-Ms. Buenconsejo

SPOON CATAPULT(PROJECT IN PROJECTILE

MOTION)

StandardSolve two dimensional trajectory problems.

Learning Objectives-Design and construct spoon catapult that will

demonstrate projectile and trajectory motion.-Solve problems related to projectile motion.

(vx, vy, dx, dy)-Explain the physics of a catapult-Cite a global issue relevant to the project

THE CHALLENGE

IntroductionProjectile motion is a motion of an object that has

diff erent types of motion. The types of motion are horizontal which is always constant, vertical motion which is influenced by the force of gravity, and the parabolic- the trajectory path of a projectile.

ProblemHow would the results diff er when using larger

popsicle sticks instead of the original sticks for this project?

HypothesisIf we use larger popsicle sticks, it will achieve a

longer distance than catapults with small popsicles.

INTRODUCTION

Materials 12 popsicle sticks, hot glue gun, scissors, 2 rubber bands,

aluminum foil ball, glue sticks1. -Draw a blueprint for your catapult, because not

everyone could have the same style. Before anything else, try to imagine where you will put each stick.

2. -Use the glue gun to stabilize your catapult. Make sure it’s able to stand on its own so it won’t break once we use it to launch.

3. -We couldn’t test inside because all of the aluminum foiled balls kept hitting the ceiling. So we tested outside where we have more space.

PROCEDURES

TESTING TIME

Trials Distance (dx)= vx . t

Time (s) Distance (dy)=1/2 gt2

Velocity (vx)=dx/t

Velocity (vy)=g . t

Rhenz 6.96m 1.47s 10.8m 4.73 m/s 14.7 m/s

Andrea 7.26m 1.94s 18.8m 3.74 m/s 19.4 m/s

Giovanni 6.75m 1.50s 11.25m 4.5 m/s 15 m/s

Average 6.99m 1.64s 13.62m 4.32 m/s 16.37 m/s

DATA & OBSERVATION

We observed that the longer the time, the greater the distance. With that said, Andrea was the one with the longest time and the largest distance.Second was Giovanni, and lastly Rhenz.

In conclusion, we were not able to meet our primary goal of reaching a 10m distance.

Based on the data, from our group, the highest distance attained was 7.62m.

But we were able to prove that our hypothesis was right.

If your catapult was built with larger popsicle sticks, it would reach a greater distance than what you would reach with the ordinary popsicle sticks.

It is probably because the larger popsicle sticks are thicker therefore stronger.

That way you don’t have to be as cautious when handling or using it to launch.

ANALYSIS & CONCLUSION

This project was very interesting.We got a glimpse on how diffi cult it must

have been during the medieval times to use weapons like these.

It may have been diffi cult because of the time to reload whatever ammunition was being used and the fact that the location where you’re trying to hit may vary depending on how much you pull back the catapult.

We had to always keep in mind that we can’t pull the spoon all the way back or else either the spoon will fly away, or your whole catapult will fl ip.

SUMMARY & REFLECTION

A catapult makes use of elastic potential energy.

Elastic potential energy is the potential energy of an elastic object that is deformed under tension or compression.

If the stretch is released, it is transformed into kinetic (or mechanical or movement) energy.

So, when you stretch the catapult's elastic, you are storing potential energy which can be expended very quickly by releasing the elastic band and thus accelerating the projectile turning the potential energy into kinetic or movement energy.

PHYSICS OF A CATAPULT

Catapults are not used as much because guns and canons are more effective.

But they are still being used.Catapults are used by anglers when coarse

fishing to 'catapult' their bait to the area of river where they are trying to catch their fish.

Catapults are used to propel aircraft into the air from aircraft carrier ship decks 

Catapults are used for dropping bombs from boats on submarines, to propel aircrafts into the air from aircraft carriers, and for fun. Kids like to hurl water balloons at each other using catapults.

GLOBAL ISSUE OF CATAPULTS

Be careful when handling the hot glue gun.

Be aware of your surroundings so you don’t get hit when others are testing their catapults.

Do not launch the catapult if someone is in front of you.

SAFETY LAB RULES