The PHYSICS of a catapult
This is a Trebuchet (pictured left) and works by using gravity to power the throwing arm; which releases the payload. It works by the counter weight having to be considerably more heavy than the payload, sling and beam all together. When the counter weight is higher than the payload, the counter weight on the trebuchet has a massive amount of potential energy stored in it. When the throwing arm (beam) is released, the counter weight follows a linear motion created by gravity, and turns the potential energy into kinetic energy. The beam pivots on a tube or cylindrical prism with rotary motion, and when the counter weight goes down the reciprocal motion brings the payload up and releases it. When the payload is released it gains most of the kinetic energy created by the counterweight, and the beam shifts into oscillating motion where the counterweight swings like a pendulum. This is how the payload is released in a trebuchet.
Modern day Uses for catapults
An aircraft carrier launching system
1. Launching aircraft from aircraft carrier ships
2. Clay Shooting
3. Slingshots (kids toy)
4. Tennis Ball launchers (training equipment)
5. Launching Bait (fishing)
6. Spear Gun
7. See Saws
8. Mexican Drug Lords use them to launch drugs over the border
9. Competitions (The Punkin Chunkin Contest) to see who can build one that throws a pumpkin the furthest.
10. Swings (pivots on the bar which the string/chain is attached to. If the child lets go the child flies through the air. Like a catapult)
2. Clay Shooting
3. Slingshots (kids toy)
4. Tennis Ball launchers (training equipment)
5. Launching Bait (fishing)
6. Spear Gun
7. See Saws
8. Mexican Drug Lords use them to launch drugs over the border
9. Competitions (The Punkin Chunkin Contest) to see who can build one that throws a pumpkin the furthest.
10. Swings (pivots on the bar which the string/chain is attached to. If the child lets go the child flies through the air. Like a catapult)