Catapult Analysis

You built a catapult or trebuchet. Adjust it so that it is capable of launching a large marshmallow from a distance of 3 to 5 meters, and hitting a target that is .30 m high +/- .10 m. You will have 5 trials to hit your target at each distance on Friday, and will be graded according to your accuracy. (10 points)

Rubric and Questions for Analysis

Using your logger pro data, answer the questions below INDIVIDUALLY and hand in

Where is the biggest frictional issue in your machine? Explain why this matters to the range of your machine. (3 pts)
Determine the maximum range for your machine. Make at chart that lists all the variables available for y(up), y(down), and x. Below the table, show me or tell me how you arrived at each number.(15 points)
How could you determine F(net) of the projectile? (3 points)
How will the net force of the projectile change if we use marshmallows instead of paper wads? An orange? Why?(3 points)

Pick a change in time of .3 seconds somewhere on your data set. Based on your data, determine v(i) at the beginning of the interval and v(f) at the end of the interval in the x and the y directions Using this data, calculate a 'practical' value for the acceleration in the x and the acceleration in the y-directions. Choose your interval carefully so you are not mixing y(up) and y(down. (6 points)

Write a three to five paragraph summary of how you would change the design if you built another machine, and what you have learned about projectiles and engineering design. Include the following terms: potential energy to kinetic energy changes, frictional force, net force, acceleration of gravity, vectors, kinematic equations, independent x and y motions. (15 points)