Spring constant needed to launch 3kg mass at 20 m/s from 2m catapult

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
Sign up Log in
5 replies · 2K views
DannyD
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Discussion

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 a lot.

Regards
 
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.