Design a Catapult

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What is potential energy? Potential energy is energy that is stored and can be turned into kinetic energy, the energy of motion. A ball held at some height above the ground has potential energy caused by gravity; when the ball is dropped, it falls at an increasing rate, increasing its kinetic energy while decreasing its potential energy. The potential energy is converted to kinetic energy during the fall. On the other hand, a ball resting on the level ground has no gravitational potential energy; it has no potential for movement unless acted on by an outside force (other than gravity). Potential energy can come from gravity, but also from elasticity, such as a rubber band. When a rubber band is stretched, its potential energy increases; when it is released, it snaps back (kinetic energy), and its potential energy returns to zero.

Music: Safety Net - Riot