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A catapult is a device that stores potential energy, and releases this energy to launch a projectile. Throughout history many civilizations like the Greeks and Romans used catapults in great battles whose tale stood the test of time. They mainly used three different types of catapults. First up is the ballista which resembles a crossbow and was invented by the Greeks during the time period of around 800 BCE. It stores potential energy in the same was as a crossbow does, with a strong base and a rope or elastic pulled as far back as it can manage with the projectile sitting right in front of the rope. Second, is the mangonel which was a ballista which the Romans made improvements too. The mangonel works by storing potential energy in the base of the catapults arm which swings the arm forward once its released launching the projectile forward as well. The final of the three catapults is the most powerful of them all, the trebuchet. It was believed to be invented by the Chinese during 300 BCE to break through walls with the stones it hurled. The trebuchet consisted of a long arm, a short arm for counterbalance, a strong base, and a fulcrum. The potential energy was stored in the short arms counterbalance and the long arm was held back by ropes. Once released the long arm hurls the projectile dealing tons of damage. Catapults are simple in design yet effective which is why we still see them today in modern crossbows.

This report represents the design of an in class made catapult. This experiment was a valuable experience because it allows us to learn about acceleration, speed, force and many more which are seen and used on a daily basis.  This design had three main objectives. The first objective was to build the catapult using the given time and materials. Which included the materials of spoon, forks, knives and elastic bands. Second objective was to construct it wisely so that the projectile that was being launched could travel a distance that no other launched projectile could.

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