Rubber Band Catapult Physics

Popsicle stick catapult for kids stem.

Rubber band catapult physics.

At the end of the arm a small cup holds a ping pong ball that will be launched when the catapult is completely assembled. The force of this energy is responsible for the flung of any object upwards or forwards attached to the rubber band. In this session you will learn how to make a catapult at home. For our physics project we were required to build a ping pong ball catapult using only.

Thread a rubber band through the large hole in the aluminium disc and hook it onto the designated hooks each side of the aluminium lever. Unfold the catapult by removing the locking pin and swinging the aluminium launch lever all the way round to the other side of the black plastic base. A catapult store energy every time you stretch the rubber band and until you hit the trigger. How to build a catapult these popsicle stick catapults make a great stem activity.

A rubber band connects the base of the arm to the disc so when the arm is pulled back the rubber band will launch it forward. When you let go off this rubber band the potential energy is released creating a force. Wind a rubber band tightly around each end of the stack. The physics of catapult projectile motion qty item description 1 catapult with locking pin 1 clamp for attaching catapult to table 1 ping pong ball 1 light plastic ball with holes 3 rubber band 3 x 1 8 summary prerequisites this project requires a basic understanding of algebra trigonometry sine and cosine.

Method variables data analysis hypothesis distance conclusion allows for further distance to be traveled greater force applied to the object tissue box how does the amount of force 500g 1000g 1500g 2000g and 2500g applied to the plastic bands affect the distance of the. Popsicle sticks string glue paper clips this is how we did it. A catapult made out of popsicle sticks is the perfect kids activity for simple physics. Because of its design it allowed for greater throwing distance than the mangonel comparable to that of a trebuchet.

Catapult physics the onager the onager catapult is almost identical to the trebuchet but instead of a falling counterweight it uses a torsion bundle to rotate the arm similar to the mangonel described previously.