Angular Momentum in a Falling Cat

Group
Members Domarth Ace G. Duque
Mikka A. Elviña
Jeffrey B. Tibay

Introduction

It has always been observed that cats are able to land safely on their feet. Myth says that they
could even survive falling from a plunge several storey heights. The fact that the apparent reflexes of a
cat are due to its innate instincts, this occurrence is still best explained in the light of angular
momentum. As a future Physics teacher and enthusiast, the actual observation and analysis of this
phenomenon is our purpose. Using the generation’s technology, it is easier even for students to see and
understand how Physics theories are being supported in real life situations. The team aims to test the
Physics concept on the falling cat by the Tracker software.

Physics Concept

Angular momentum is a quantitative measure of how much an object is rotating. The equation
for angular momentum is L=m∙ v ∙ r wherein L is the angular momentum; m = mass; v = velocity; r
= radius of object

One of the most basic laws of physics is the conservation of angular momentum: the angular
momentum of an object cannot change unless an outside forces act on it.

A cat can change its terminal velocity by spreading out its limbs and increasing its area. The bulk
of its fur also helps. The only outside forces acting on the cat are gravity and air resistance. These forces
are the only way for the cat to change its angular momentum and rotate. Though gravity exists on the
center of mass of the cat, this and does not change its angular momentum.

The front and the back of the cat have angular momentum in opposite directions, so added
together; the total angular momentum of the cat must remain zero supporting the conservation of
angular momentum.

Methodology

The team first obtains an actual video of a falling cat. The video was then used on the Tracker
software. Three Point Masses of the cat was traced using the auto-tracker for the ease of plotting. One
track was selected and data such as the time it takes for the cat to turn, the mass, and the angular
velocity were gathered and plotted in graphs.
Data Gathering
Conclusion

As we computed the data gathered using the Tracker software we resulted to an Angular
Momentum that is not conserved. Maybe due to some factors that affected the rotation of the cat while
falling like the neglected air resistance and the approximation of the cat’s inertia detected by the
software. The concept of the cat falling and reaching the ground with its feet first is truly proven on the
video taken. Comparing the two graphs acquired, one could deduce that the graphs were opposites, in
terms of its directions and magnitudes giving a clearer insight on the problem.