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Simple Machines: Catapult Challenge
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Simple Machines: Catapult Challenge
📚 Part 1: Simple Machines Knowledge
1. A catapult is an example of which simple machine?
Pulley
Lever
Inclined plane
Wedge
2. Which of these are the six simple machines? (Select all that apply)
Lever
Wheel and axle
Screw
Motor
Pulley
Inclined plane
3. In a catapult, the fulcrum is:
The projectile being launched
The pivot point where the arm rotates
The force applied to launch
The bucket holding the projectile
4. What happens when you move the fulcrum closer to the load in a catapult?
The projectile travels further
The projectile travels shorter distance
Nothing changes
The catapult breaks
✏️ Part 2: Catapult Analysis
5. Explain how a catapult uses mechanical advantage to launch projectiles.
6. List three variables you could change when testing a catapult to improve its performance.
7. If your catapult launches a ball 3 metres on the first test and 5 metres on the second test, what is the percentage improvement?
8. Complete the sentence: When I increase the angle of launch, the projectile will travel _____________ because _____________.
🎯 Part 3: Design Challenge
9. Draw and label a simple catapult design. Include these labels: fulcrum, effort (force), load, and arm.
10. Describe one improvement you would make to your catapult design to increase accuracy and explain why this would work.
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