Is there an easy way to calculate the distance for a slingshot fired at different angles? I use a big slingshot like the one below to fire a rope over things and find the distance incredibly difficult to predict.

The pole the head is mounted on is 2m long and the applications might require shots at 30°, 45°, and 60°.

I’m thinking a scale marked on the pole showing distances for each of the three angles at various draw distances… ?

Rule 303 said:

Is there an easy way to calculate the distance for a slingshot fired at different angles? I use a big slingshot like the one below to fire a rope over things and find the distance incredibly difficult to predict.

The pole the head is mounted on is 2m long and the applications might require shots at 30°, 45°, and 60°.

I’m thinking a scale marked on the pole showing distances for each of the three angles at various draw distances… ?

the distance travelled for 60 and 30 launch will be the same, as it is for all complimentary angles.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/traj.html

some calculators.

you need projectile velocity.

https://www.desmos.com/calculator/gjnco6mzjo

ChrispenEvan said:

you need projectile velocity.

https://www.desmos.com/calculator/gjnco6mzjo

If you have a shooting range handy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_chronograph

can do a series of test shots and mark the pole.

ChrispenEvan said:

you need projectile velocity.

https://www.desmos.com/calculator/gjnco6mzjo

Ahhh, hmmm… No way to measure velocity.

Perhaps if I make a couple of shots and precisely measure the angle and distance… But that wont give me velocity for different draw lengths.

ChrispenEvan said:

you need projectile velocity.

https://www.desmos.com/calculator/gjnco6mzjo

That’s taking limp to an extreme.

ChrispenEvan said:

ChrispenEvan said:

you need projectile velocity.

https://www.desmos.com/calculator/gjnco6mzjo

If you have a shooting range handy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_chronograph

can do a series of test shots and mark the pole.

I used a Gun chronograph to measure the speed of hailstones fired by my chicken gun.
It works, but is not as accurate for low speed as high speed as it actually measures the impact of the shock wave produced by the bullet.

There ought to be a simple equation for calculating projectile speed from the distance that the sling is pulled back. Using Hookes law of elasticity together with F=ma.