ok, i need to build some type of mechanism to launch and egg into a pool of water ( approximately 1meter in diameter ) for my physics class.
we need to be able to launch the egg at least 15 meters. the pool will be set anywhere from 5 to 30 meters away ( this assignment seems to be more about being able to adjust the launcher ). egg must survive.
the egg may be set in a container of some sort but the whole thing we are launching must not weight more then 400grams.
problem comes in because my teacher is a nerd, he wants us to have some sort of a launching sequence. he says we need to be able to press one button to get the launcher ready to launch ( start a countdown as he says ) and another to trigger the launch.
also, before u press the first button, the launcher must rest freely and have no potential energy ( springs must not be compressed ).
i can think of numerous ways to do this but i cant think of a "launching sequence" that im sure will work.
i would appreciate any insight on this and will be checking back on this thread regularly