As for the launching angle, an angle of 45° will maximize the horizontal distance that the object will fly. In order to produce a cannon that actually shoots an object that results in a positive distance, the maximum angle at which the object could be shot is 90°. Having this knowledge, we could use the equation d = (v²/g)sin2θ. If we say that 90° is the maximum angle at which the object can be shot, the value of theta must be 45°. (Because 90/2 = 45; just in case you may be wondering why.)
Base
Because we are using only five pop cans, we would not be able to make our base super strong compared to a situation in which we could use more than five pop cans. However, the key point about the base that you should be aware of is that the base must be strong enough to withstand the force that is exerted when the cannon shoots the object. Though the object is very light, inability for the base to react to the force by exerting the same amount of force (Newton's third law right here) may cause decrease in the horizontal distance travelled by the object.
Wow, great post. This will help my nephews and going to share it with them. Thanks for the post..
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