Question regarding distance traveled by a trebuchet

[permapoop]

Homework Statement

I need to find the distance traveled by a trebuchet. We were assigned to design and create one to launch a water balloon of roughly a mass of $\approx50$ grams. We are not allowed to test it, but must make a prediction of how far it would travel by using physics.

The Attempt at a Solution

I was trying to factor in rotational force and the transferring of potential to kinetic energy. The potential energy within the counterweight of the trebuchet would transfer the potential energy to kinetic energy so that the balloon can be launched. And I was thinking of using the Conservation of Energy to solve for the velocity and assume that the angle it launches at with the horizontal is 45 degrees.

Am I doing this correctly? Or is there a special solution on how to do it?

 

[Mark44]

The distance traveled by the trebuchet is generally zero, unless someone is moving it
In your case, you want to calculate the distance the water balloon travels.
Other than that, your plan seems reasonable. Of course, it ignores the energy wasted due to friction, but you should be able to get a reasonable estimate for how far the water balloon travels.

 

[permapoop]

How would you factor in the rotational force in it though?
I'm still only a beginner in physics so I can't really figure it out.

I understand how to use the conservation of energy but I'm not sure if the rotation will affect it. Is it just mgh + 1/2mv² = mgh + 1/2mv²?

 

[wbandersonjr]

Yes conservation of energy is a good way to look at this problem. Yes, rotatino plays a part in this. Do you know the equation for rotational kinetic energy? Your conservation of energy equation will include potential, translational kinetic, and rotational kinetic energies.

 

[rwisz]

I would approach this problem by first considering the basic principles of projectile motion and energy conservation. The distance traveled by the trebuchet will depend on several factors, including the mass of the projectile, the angle at which it is launched, and the initial velocity of the projectile.

To accurately predict the distance traveled, you could use equations such as the range equation or the conservation of energy equation. These equations will allow you to calculate the velocity of the projectile at launch and then use that velocity to determine the distance it will travel.

However, it is important to note that there are other factors that may affect the distance traveled by the trebuchet, such as air resistance and the efficiency of the machine itself. Without testing the trebuchet, it may be difficult to accurately predict the distance it will travel.

In order to improve your prediction, you could also consider researching and incorporating other factors, such as the angle of release and the release mechanism of the trebuchet. Additionally, you could compare your prediction to data from other similar trebuchet experiments to see if your results are in line with those of others.

Overall, it is important to approach this problem with a thorough understanding of the basic principles involved and to consider all potential factors that may affect the distance traveled by the trebuchet.