Both trebuchets and catapults are ancient siege weapons used to launch projectiles, but they operate on different principles.

A trebuchet is a type of siege engine that uses a counterweight mechanism. It consists of a long arm with a sling at one end and a heavy counterweight at the other end. When the counterweight is released, it pulls the arm down, causing the sling to swing and release the projectile. The trebuchet relies on the force of gravity and the momentum generated by the counterweight to launch the projectile with great power and accuracy.

On the other hand, a catapult is a general term that encompasses various types of siege engines that use tension, torsion, or counterweight mechanisms to launch projectiles. Unlike a trebuchet, a catapult does not have a counterweight system. Instead, it relies on stored tension or torsion in ropes, springs, or twisted materials to propel the projectile. The tension or torsion is released rapidly, causing the arm or throwing mechanism to snap forward and launch the projectile.
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