Introduce the context. The ball launcher and how it works
Identify the type of lever the ball launcher is and how changes the forces on the ball
Identify the variable to be changed in this project and predict how this may affect the forces on the ball
(100 - 150 words)
A ball launcher is a mechanical device designed to propel a ball with a certain force and trajectory. In the context of this project, we're focusing on a ball launcher that operates using a lever mechanism. The lever consists of a rigid arm that pivots around a fixed point, known as the fulcrum. By applying force at one point on the lever arm, a different amount of force is exerted at another point where the ball is positioned.
Generally, the type of lever a ball launcher is can differ, but it's commonly a third-class lever, where the effort is between the fulcrum and the load (the ball). Adjusting the position of the fulcrum, the length of the lever arm, or the point where the force is applied can significantly impact the force exerted on the ball and consequently its speed and distance traveled.
The variable chosen to be changed in this project could be the position of the fulcrum. Altering this position is predicted to affect the mechanical advantage and the force on the ball. Moving the fulcrum closer to the load (ball) would likely decrease the distance the ball travels but increase the force exerted, whereas moving it farther away would require more force to achieve the same effect.