PhysicsThrow
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Homework Statement
For an assignment I am to find the physics behind one of those fairground slingshots. Specifically the maximum height and speed. We're given no data but we have to present our method, so I assume we just make it as realistic as possible and go from the most basic concept up until we have those answers. I have requested help from my lecturer but I haven't yet had a reply yet and I'm working on my own whereas everyone else has a group, thus, I'm reaching out to this forum.
Slingshot:
Homework Equations
F=kx (Due to the elastic ropes)
F=ma
∴kx=ma
EPE=\frac{1}{2}kx^{2}
KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}
I derived that the maximum height = \frac{V_{0}^{2}}{2g} but I would need the max speed for that.
I also know that when KE=0 the max height would be reached.
I just have no idea how to start all of this.
The Attempt at a Solution
So far I've simplified the situation so that there's no air resistance, the cage is a particle of constant mass, instead of 2 strings there's just 1 in the middle, that the force of gravity is constant and that the particle shoots up at a perfect 90°s to the horizontal.
I'm just not sure where to tackle this from. I've struggled to get confidence to make friends on my course and now I see that its possibly more damaging on my results than my psyche as I can't bounce ideas around.