What are the physics behind catapults?

Answer 1

The physics concepts associated with catapults are related to different forms of stored energy or potential energy, including torsion, tension, and gravity. In medieval times, catapults were utilized like giant slingshots and consisted of mechanisms like ropes or springs that provided tension, movable arms, and baskets for hurling projectiles over long distances.

Answer 2

Work can be done on the catapult quite slowly, when the elastic is slowly stretched. This provides a store of elastic potential energy, which can be expended quite quickly in accelerating the stone of ball to a reasonably high speed. Ex.= Velocity equals distance divided by time (V=d/t)

Answer 3

depends on what type of catapult:

Trebuchet:

lowering the throwing arm raises the weighted end, increasing the gravitational potential of the weighted end. when the catapult is released, gravitational potential energy is turned into kenetic energy thus overcoming the inertia of the projectile. This builds velocity and momentum on the projectile...because the mass of the projectile is free from the catapult and ultimately from the ground, the throwing arm is slowed quicker than the projectile throwing the projectile.

Elastic:

This is the kind of catapult you see in medieval movies and a deviation of this kind is the one made My Leonardo DaVinci as seen on "Doing DaVinci" on Discovery. This time, lowering the throwing arm creates elastic potential energy through a system of ropes (or in DaVinci's case, a bow). When the catapult is fired, the latch releases the arm and the elastic potential energy is converted into, again, kenetic energy the bar on the catapult then stops the throwing arm and the projectile carries its momentum and velocity.

After this the projectiles of the catapults are the same. The projectiles then move in an arc which can be determined using the angle of release, release velocity and a little trig. The projectile flies at a constant velocity in the x direction (negating air resistance) while the velocity in the y direction is countered (or applied depending on the release angle) until the projectile is brought to the ground. NOTE: the projectile is subject to rotational movement while flying as well. After the projectile is brought to the ground, friction works against momentum to bring the kenetic energy back to 0 in which the projectile comes to rest.

Answer 4

Catapults apply the principles including for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In addition, a catapult demonstrates that energy can neither be created or destroyed. It also shows the principle of leverage and the parabolic nature involving the path or trajectory of the payload.

Answer 5

Some catapults use the stored tension of a rope to eject their load ex: manogel . others used a huge couterweight on one end to fling the load.

Answer 6

it is an example of force=speed X acceleration

Answer 7

i am trying to find that question too. also phisycs is involved in catapults for speed, distance and height.

Answer 8

Newton's second law.

Answer 9

All of them.