[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

MorayfieldStateHigh School

Year 11 Physics, Semester 2 – 2010

Extended Experimental Investigation (EEI)

Forces &Motion – Trebuchet

Ayesha Berkett-Saleh

Teacher: Mr Forman

Start – 13/08/10

Finish – 00/09/10

Due Date – 13/09/10

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Contents

Title Page………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….Page 1

Contents Page………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Page 2

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…Page 3

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...Page 4

Method…….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 5

Results…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………….Page 6

Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Page 7

Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..……Page 8

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Page 9

Appendix….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………...Page 10

Bibliography and References…………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 11

Acknowledgments…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 12

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Abstract

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Introduction

Motion plays a big part of our everyday life, but understanding the physics behind it is something more complex. The aim of this assignment is to throw an object as far as possible using a trebuchet. After analysis of the science of a trebuchet it was found that modifying the length of the arm, the trigger point and the counter weights are all variables that can optimise the performance of a trebuchet. This report will look at the physics of a trebuchet. It will show the building process and changes made along the way. From this process, it will achieve the greatest distance possible thrown.

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Background Information

Physics of a trebuchet

Work potential energy

Leavers

Formulas

That sheet with the writing on it and graph thing

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Method

What was used to build a trebuchet?

Job Section Part Description Qty Needed Type of Material Size (Length x width x thickness)

Base Long Rails 2 Pine

Short Rails 3 Pine

Skid Pan 1 Ply wood

Uprights Uprights 2 Ply

Ply Reinforcing 2 Ply wood

Braces

Axel 1

Launching Arm Middle Arm 2

Outer Arm 2

Miscellaneous String 1

Cloth 1

Projectiles 1

Counterweight 1

Screws 1

Nails 1

Hook 1

Wire 1

Saw 1

Drill 1

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Manufacture of the Trebuchet

Base

(picture)

The base is made up of 2 (measurements) Long Rails and 4 (measurements) Short Rails. It uses (something) joints to make the base more firm.

Uprights

(picture)

The uprights is 2 (measurements) vertical Braces to help support the 2 sheets of plywood which makes up the side.

Launching Arm

(picture)

The Launching arm is made up of 2 (measurement) Middle arms and 2(measurements) outer arms. Multiple holes are drilled into the launching arm to change the length of the arm, and to see what length will throw the best distance. Metal bolt to

Counterweight

(picture)

The counterweight weighs about (weight)

FINAL PICTURE

Modifications

Variable to be changed talk about changes say what stays the sames

Modification and more

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Results

Table of values

modification 1 distance, what was changed.

Values that are kept the same

Distance travelled vs arm length (graph)

Distance vs counterweight

Distance vs trigger point (string thing)

Any problems

ENERGY TRANSFERRED BETWEEN WEIGHT AND OBJECT

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Analysis

WHAT HAD THE BIGGEST EFFECT

What is the best outcome

What happens when you put all the best things together

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Conclusion

It was found that the trebuchet with a weight of ( ) arm length of () and lifting a (object). Possible improvements. Refer back to the data. Comment about the optimum design. WAS THERE SOMETHING ELSE

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Appendix

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Bibliography and References

[PHYSICS ASSIGNMENT] August 13, 2010

Acknowledgments