• Catapult makes use of tension of a sling, whereas trebuchet makes use of the energy of a raised counterweight. • In a trebuchet, a weight is used to pull down the lever to the other end of which is attached a payload. read more
Catapults were popular weapons during the Medieval times; hence, catapults are also referred to as Medieval siege weapons. If a trebuchet is a type of catapult, it also throws objects, too, but they are structured differently. The Medieval weapon, trebuchet, is also called a counterweight trebuchet or a counterpoise trebuchet. A trebuchet has existed since the Middle Ages. read more
Technically, trebuchets are a type of catapult as they launch objects into the air. What most of us deem a catapult though, uses tension instead of a falling weight. Catapults generally used a large, springy piece of wood which would have been wound up. read more