Simple Question: What is going to throw farther Catapult or Trebuche

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A trebuchet generally has the potential to throw objects farther than a catapult due to its mechanical advantage and weight distribution. While catapults are simpler to construct, they may not achieve the same distance as a well-designed trebuchet. The choice of design can significantly impact the launch distance, with factors such as arm length and counterweight being crucial. Resources like design websites can provide valuable insights into effective trebuchet construction. Ultimately, a well-executed trebuchet design is likely to yield the farthest launch.
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Hopefully this is the right place to ask this.. if not really sorry

In my class I have to design something to throw a simple small piece of wood.. Everyone is trying to build a catapult.. I am not sure what to build.. a trebuchet or a catapult and what specific design is going to give me the farthest launch..Any ideas?

I found a cool site that lists a ton of different designs.. http://stormthecastle.com/catapult/index.htm still not sure what would be the most effective
 
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I think the reason your classmates are trying to build a catapult is due to the level of complexity involved. If you were to build a trebuchet, how would you go about it?
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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