Statement of the Hypotheses:

Because the working of the trebuchet is complex, especially due to the frictional forces, the coefficient of which is unknown and indeterminable within the scope of this investigation, it is nearly impossible to give an educated prediction of the efficiency of the trebuchet. It is, however, perfectly realistic to attempt to predict the effects of the changing variables on the efficiency of the trebuchet. Because of the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy, the velocity, and subsequently the range, should be proportional to the square root of the mass of the counterweight. Since angular momentum is conserved, the angular velocity of the projectile before leaving the trebuchet is inversely proportional to the arm length. Angular velocity is directly proportional to the velocity of the ball after is has left the trebuchet, so the velocity of the ball should also be inversely proportional to the arm length.