Physics Portion: Projectile Motion

The trebuchet causes the payload to be a projectile, which is an object that is in constant motion due to its own inertia. the projectile motion is influenced by the gravitational force pulling down the arm downward and lifting the arm up to release the payload. The payload is thrown in the air with the force of the sling, arm, and the kinetic energy of the weights falling to bring the arm up and follow through the projectile motion. the projectile will go its furthest when the force is applied at a 45 degree angle.