PHYSICS

Picture 1: Overview.

 General picture of the catapult. Labeled is our main parts to the Trebuchet.

Picture 2: Force. 

Forces shown while catapult is in motion. The normal force pushes the balloon up while the gravitational force pulls the balloon down. The weight swinging creates the applied force of the balloon. There is also tension and gravity acting on the Balloon while the catapult is at rest. The sling allows for optimum distance because of the conditions in which the balloon is held.

Picture 3: Projectile Motion.

Because the balloon flies at an angle, there is horizontal projectile motion present. Forces have a contribution to the motion because it is the force and velocity which impacts the motion. there is distance change in x and y which is calculated by the sin theta. This shows optimum angle and speed at which the balloon should be released to get it to go the farthest.

Picture 4: Potential and Kinetic energy in motion.

(Sorry its upside down i couldn't figure out how to flip it)

While the balloon releases, the catapult has kinetic energy at the top of the arm and the bottom where the weights are being dropped. Kinetic energy is present whenever the catapult is in motion. While the catapult is all the way upright, there is kinetic and potential energy. Both help carry the balloon out of the sling and on to the ground- 25 feet away.

Picture 5: Energy at rest

When the catapult is set up in the position right before we pull the trigger, the only energy acting upon the catapult is potential energy. Nothing is moving, so kinetic energy is not applicable.

Picture 6: General energy overview.

Energy happens.