Do the equations of physics find their way into the daily life of a cat? This is the intriguing question posed by Anxo Biasi, a researcher at the Instituto Galego de Física de Altas Enerxías.
Inspired by his own feline, Eme, he developed an equation that describes the movements of his four-legged companion, placing cats at the heart of a demonstration of classical mechanics.
Detailed description of the equation of cat motion.
Credit: American Journal of Physics
With this study, Biasi aims to simplify physics for the general public. The idea is to show how fundamental laws can apply to everyday situations, using an example that anyone can observe at home: the movements of a cat.
To model this unique relationship between a cat and its human, Biasi uses a simple equation. In this model, the cat is considered a "point particle" moving in a potential well created by the presence of the human. By applying the laws of Newtonian mechanics, the study illustrates several typical feline behaviors, notably their tendency to stay close to their owners.
This study was born out of a desire to make physics fun and accessible. According to Biasi, the project began as an academic joke inspired by the humorous works of some of his colleagues before taking a more serious turn. What initially seemed like a joke became a useful scientific model for understanding physics through a playful approach.
To develop his equation, Biasi was inspired by seven of Eme's daily behaviors. Among these behaviors, he notes that cats seem to "feel a force" that encourages them to stay near their humans. This model thus allows for the analysis of interactions between the cat and its environment in a methodical way.
The equation, which includes variables such as the mass of the cat and a friction coefficient to simulate its fatigue, offers an interpretation of its movement depending on its proximity to the human. Through this formula, the study reveals the steps necessary to build physical models based on everyday observations.
The equation of cat motion.
Credit: Anxo Biasi
The analysis also looks into behaviors like purring, which Biasi describes as a stabilization mechanism. Indeed, he suggests that when a cat purrs while being petted, this reaction encourages the human to continue the gesture, thus creating a positive reinforcement cycle between the two.
The famous cat "nighttime crazies," or "zoomies," also find their place in the model. During these moments of uncontrollable energy, the cat's frantic movements require the addition of a random term in the equation, representing an external "forcing" that captures the spontaneity of these bursts.
Beyond the fun aspect, this equation serves as an educational tool for teaching classical mechanics. Biasi suggests that his model could be used to introduce the basics of physics to beginners by demonstrating how complex behaviors can be explained by simple laws.
Thus, this equation represents a new way of approaching physics for those who are hesitant about abstraction. By combining science with familiar behaviors, Biasi hopes to spark curiosity and learning through a subject as universal as cats.