Calculations:
Name | Value |
---|---|
Efficiency | 63.56% |
Energy (out) | 14.6J |
Energy(in) | 22.97J |
max range (ideal) | 52.36m |
max range (actual) | 46m |
Change in energy | -8.37 |
Kinetic energy | 13.8J |
Elastic energy | 22.97J |
Initial velocity | 22.43m/s |
Impact velocity | 23.03/s |
Fg | 0.539J |
Fnet | 36.211N |
To find the spring constant we balanced a 3kg mass on the launching arm.
Since the mass was balanced and not moving, Fnet=0. Therefore the elastic force equals the force of gravity, and K can be calulated.
Since the mass was balanced and not moving, Fnet=0. Therefore the elastic force equals the force of gravity, and K can be calulated.
we found our max range to be rougly 52m, however on the launch day our max range was only 46m. Air resistance is a major factor in lowering our range.
to find the acceleration we used the formula a=v^2/r
the change in energy was simply the final energy( kinetic + gravitational potential)-initial (elastic)
the change in energy was simply the final energy( kinetic + gravitational potential)-initial (elastic)
our catapult had an efficiency of about 64%, which is moderate as most of the energy is lost when the lauching arm hits the support.