Need help with force of spring needed to launch mass from catapult

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the spring constant needed to launch a 3kg mass from a catapult at a speed of 20m/s, the spring potential energy must equal the kinetic energy at launch, factoring in gravitational potential energy due to the launch angle of 30 degrees. The gravitational acceleration is 9.81m/s^2, and the catapult distance is 2m. The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering both kinetic energy and the change in gravitational potential energy during the launch. Participants highlight the need to apply the correct physics formulas to account for these variables. Accurate calculations will provide the necessary spring constant for effective launch performance.
DannyD
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Hi All

I need help with a physics calculation.

I have a mass of 3kg that has to be launched for Earth (9.81m/s^2 gravitational acceleration) at an angle of 30 degrees from horizontal from a catapult. The distance the mass can travel in the catapult is 2m.

What I need to know is what is the spring constant that the spring needs to have in order for the mass to leave the catapult at 20m/s?

Kind regards
Danny
 
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Are you familiar with the formulas of energy?
 
Yes I am. I'm currently studying mechanical engineering, my brain is just still in holiday mode, if I can be directed in the right direction that would also help alot.

Regards
 
Spring potential initial = Kinetic final
 
Cool, thanks!
 
But don't forget that the mass is launched at an angle, not horizontally, so that in addition to the KE change, the gravitational PE of the mass also changes, during its motion along the catapult.
 

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