How to Build a Ping Pong Projectile Launcher for Maximum Distance?

AI Thread Summary
To build a ping pong projectile launcher capable of reaching distances of 4m and 10m, the design should be a catapult, with wood as the recommended material. The discussion clarifies that "respectively" refers to launching the ball twice for each distance. Various propulsion methods were considered, including compressed air, while explosive propellants were deemed impractical for a school project. Different catapult designs, such as ballistae and trebuchets, were mentioned as potential options. The thread concluded with a reminder for the original poster to demonstrate effort in their schoolwork before further assistance could be provided.
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OP has been warned about posting schoolwork/homework without using the HH Template and showing some effort.
1. The shape of the ping pong launcher I think is 'catapult' but I don't know the suitable size and the materials need to use. The ping pong ball need to be launch to a distance of 4m and 10m respectively.

What are the size and materials used is most suitable to launch the ping pong ball this far ?
 
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What does your "respectively" mean here? Are you building two different lauchers? I would certainly start with a pipe just large enough to fit a ping pong ball into. Then you have to decide how you are going to propel the balls. For example are you going to use gun powder or other explosive propellant? (Might be difficult to get a teacher's permission for that!) Are you going to use compressed gas, like air?
 
HallsofIvy said:
What does your "respectively" mean here? Are you building two different lauchers? I would certainly start with a pipe just large enough to fit a ping pong ball into. Then you have to decide how you are going to propel the balls. For example are you going to use gun powder or other explosive propellant? (Might be difficult to get a teacher's permission for that!) Are you going to use compressed gas, like air?
Sorry, my English is poor haha. Teacher suggests using the wood to make the catapult. 'Respectively' I mean is need to launch the ping pong ball twice. First distance is 4m and second distance is 10m. I think I am not going to use the gun powder and explosive propellant.
 
"Catapult" encompasses several designs.
A ballista is like a large crossbow, the energy being stored in the bending of a beam or twisting of ropes/sinews.
A trebuchet throws the missile from the end of a rotating arm, usually powered by a heavy weight on the other end.
Wikipedia might help you choose.
 
Thread is obviously locked. OP has been warned to re-post and show some actual work and effort on his/her schoolwork.
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
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