Question

A cat usually lands on its feet regardless of the position from which it is dropped. A slow-motion film of a cat falling shows that the upper half of its body twists in one direction while the lower half twists in the opposite direction. (See Fig. CQ11.10.) Why does this type of rotation occur?

Short answer

Because of angular momentum conversion.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Angular momentum

Angular momentum is defined as the product of an object's angular velocity and moment of inertia. Furthermore, both quantities must revolve along the same axis, namely the rotation line.

Angular Momentum conversion occur the rotation:

Because the cat's angular momentum is conserved, moving one half of its body causes the other half to rotate in the opposite way, allowing the cat to get its feet underneath the table.