Hi- my physics students are making the zero impact vehicles for their mp2 project and potential entry into the physics olympics. They had several questions:

1) What constitutes a legal "mechanical launcher? (Or perhaps a better question is what would be an "illegal" mechanical launcher) Is it a separate device, and if so, does its mass contribute to the overall 2 kg limit? Is a ramp legal, and if so, does it have to remain attached to the vehicle?

2) Can the device leave pieces behind as it travels?

Thanks!