Question

Question #7dac9

Answer 1

This dépends on what the design of the catapult may be. Assuming it is a simple hand-held catapult, we should be able to make some progress.

Explanation:

When you pull the catapult back you store energy (in the form of elastic strain energy) which on release is converted to kinetic energy in the projectile. No energy transfer is prefect, there will be some losses to heat in the elastic, sound, mass movement of air etc. but they are generally pretty good (say 70+% at a guess?)

The equations are relatively simple, depending on the level of experience you have:

`E(tension) = kx^2` where k is the spring constant (Hooke’s constant for that object)

[normally for an elastic object `E = 1/2kx^2` but here you have two “springs” in parallel so twice the energy storage for a defined extension, x]

`E_(k) = 1/2mv^2`

Which would allow you to get an estimate (remember it isn’t efficient?) of the projectile’s velocity and hence range.