Lever catapult: launch by a falling weight
A heavy weight drops onto the short arm of a lever and throws a light ball from the long one. A levers and energy experiment for kids 9+.
2D
Age 9+15 min
Levers & balanceProjectile motionEnergy
Loading simulation…
Press “Run”. Bodies move by the laws of physics: gravity, friction, elasticity.
What the experiment shows
A weight falls from a height onto the end of a plank. The plank pivots and the ball at the other end picks up speed.
How to run it
- Press “Run” and watch the ball fly.
- Raise the weight — the ball flies farther.
- Move the pivot — what changes?
Questions to discuss
- Where does the ball’s energy come from?
- Why does the long arm throw farther?
The science
A falling weight gains energy m·g·h and gives it to the lever. The end of the long arm moves faster in proportion to the arm lengths, so the light ball gets a high speed and the range grows as v².
Try it at home
Put a ruler on a pencil, a paper ball on one end and drop a coin on the other.
What to change in the editor
- Make the weight lighter.
- Tilt the plank in its starting position.