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How can you increase the distance your catapult
launches the tennis ball?
Let’s look at the mathematical formula to find
the distance a projectile travels:
 v0 sin( 2 ) 

Range  

g


2
 v0 sin( 2 ) 

Range  

g


2
Increase initial velocity
Find the angle with the highest sin value
sin 89.9° = 0.999998476913
sin 90.0° = 1.000000000000
sin 90.1° = 0.999998476913
 v0 2 sin( 2 ) 

Range  

g


Remember the range formula:
2 must equal 90 to get the maximum effect
• Increasing Initial Velocity:
The longer the lever arm, the higher its
velocity will be.
Remember you’re limited to 0.50m
Use the Mechanical Advantage of Levers
• Mechanical Advantage of Levers
1st Class Lever
Divide the length of the
launching arm by the length of
the arm with the force.
This number gives you the
Mechanical Advantage
MA = How many times the
force is multiplied
http://discover.edventures.com/images/termlib/f/first_class_lever/support.gif
The longer the
launching arm
compared to the arm
with the force on it:
The greater the speed
of the launch
http://discover.edventures.com/images/termlib/f/first_class_lever/support.gif
The closer the force is
to the fulcrum:
The greater the speed
of the launching arm
http://discover.edventures.com/images/termlib/t/third_class_lever/support.gif
The range formula calculates how far a
projectile will travel if you know the initial
velocity and angle of the launch.
However, it only gives you the answer if the
ground is level with the height of the launch.
If the ground where it lands is higher than
the height of the launch:
– The actual distance is less than calculated
If the ground is lower than the height of
the launch:
The actual distance is greater than calculated
Soooo….
The higher the initial velocity of launch, the
farther the ball will travel.
The closer the launch is to 45° exactly, the
farther the ball will travel.
Punkin Chunkin Catapults
Onager
Hypertension 1
Hyptertension 2
Chucky