An innovative study has transformed cats from social media darlings into subjects of physics research. Inspired by his own cat Eme, researcher Anxo Biasi from the Galician Institute of High Energy Physics (IGFAE) published a unique paper titled "The Motion Equation of Cats" in the American Journal of Physics.
This young physicist completed his research at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris and is now joining IGFAE through the La Caixa Young Leaders Program. His original goal was "to spread physics knowledge in an interesting way and to let students feel the charm of physics." What started as an April Fool's joke eventually developed into a rigorous academic paper.
Biasi summarized seven typical behavior patterns based on his daily interactions with his cat Eme and proposed the hypothesis that "cats' behavior seems to be influenced by a force from the humans around them." In this model, cats are simplified as particles following Newtonian mechanics, with their motion affected by external potential energy generated by human presence.
This equation considers multiple factors: x(t) represents the cat's position relative to a person located at the origin (x=0) at time t, m denotes the cat's mass, and ε is the friction coefficient that accounts for the cat's level of fatigue. Through this equation, the researchers can explain behavioral traits such as "cats not responding to calls," "being easily distracted," and "preferring to stay on certain humans' laps."
The paper also delves into the iconic "purring" of cats, describing it as a stabilizing mechanism. When a cat purrs while being petted, humans tend to continue petting, creating a positive feedback loop. Additionally, the research explores the famous "crazy half hour" phenomenon (commonly known as "zoomies"), incorporating random variables into the equation to simulate this sudden burst of vigorous activity.
This research is not only entertaining but also holds significant educational value. Biasi emphasizes that the paper is suitable for introductory courses in classical mechanics, demonstrating how simple physical laws can explain seemingly complex and unrelated behaviors. By using an easily understandable dynamic model, it reduces the difficulty learners face in grasping abstract concepts.
This innovative study not only provides a fresh perspective on understanding cat behavior but also showcases the powerful role of physics in explaining everyday phenomena. As Biasi states, "Physics doesn't always have to explore the deepest mysteries of the universe; sometimes it's just as interesting to use it to explain daily life!"
References: https://phys.org/news/2024-10-physicist-cat-reveal-equation-motion.html
