How to make your own mini catapult

How can you build a catapult with pencils? Find out in our experiment!
Equipment: 5 pencils, 1 plastic spoon, 8 rubber bands, styrofoam ball.
Use rubber bands to fasten 3 pencils in the shape of a triangle. Attach 2 more pencils to one side of the triangle as shown in the video. Make a small gap between two of the pencils on the “fortified” side and pass a plastic spoon through it. Just attach the spoon with another rubber band, and the catapult is ready!
Catapults operate by accumulating potential energy and converting it into the kinetic energy of a projectile. When the spoon is pulled backwards, the rubber band stretches and potential energy is stored in it. When the spoon is released, elastic force returns the band and spoon to their original states. Part of the stored energy is converted into the kinetic energy of the projectile, launching it into the air! The branch of science that studies the launch, behavior, and impact of projectiles is called ballistics.
Even more educational experiments await you in the MEL Chemistry subscription!
Safety precautions: Warning! Only under adult supervision.