Where do I start in making a trebuchet?

I have to build a trebuchet in my physics class we have to launch a whiffle ball 5 meters. What sort of formula's would I need to use? What materials would be better to use PVC pipe or wood? Any tips?Where do I start in making a trebuchet?
type it into google there loads of sites that tel you how to do thisWhere do I start in making a trebuchet?
okay, I've never done joinery or anything of the sort in my life, unless you count the most basic in wood tech... but i have seen trebuchets, and tried to build one before..... out of twigs and sellotape though, so im sure you can guess how horrifically wrong it went.... :S





but i would suggest you used wood to build, because i can imagine it being easier than pvc to construct. no idea about the formula's, but i do know that the weight at the end has to be way heavier than the arm, and the payload. the heavier it is, the more kinetic energy is made, and the further the ball travels, before losing momentum.





unless you are using your hands to push the throwing arm, in which case the experiment is unfair, as it becomes a test of each person's personal strength.





this might help you with your designing........





http://www.glassgiant.com/geek/trebuchet鈥?/a> - i think you will have to build it a *little* larger....
http://www.stormthecastle.com/trebuchet/鈥?/a>





Distance won't be a problem, you can easily adjust the distance by varying the mass used to power the sling.
you can buy a kit from ebay...only took a few hours 2 build just the glue that takes long.

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