A cat with its back to the ground can rotate itself 180 degrees while falling in order to land on its feet. It does this with no initial or net angular momentum! Can you explain this? First, use the platform and the bicycle wheel to convince yourself that rotations can be achieved without a net angular momentum. Seat yourself on the platform and devise a method to achieve a net rotation using your arms and legs. Do not use the friction inherent in the platform by using quick, jerking motions! You may wish to put weights in your hands to increase the effectiveness of arm motions. (A cat has great flexibility that allows for very effective movements.) Describe your method

University Physics Volume 1
18th Edition
ISBN:9781938168277
Author:William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Chapter11: Angular Momentum
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 77P: The axis of Earth makes a 23.5 angle with a direction perpendicular to the plane of Earth’s orbit....
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A cat with its back to the ground can rotate itself 180 degrees while falling in
order to land on its feet. It does this with no initial or net angular momentum!
Can you explain this? First, use the platform and the bicycle wheel to convince
yourself that rotations can be achieved without a net angular momentum.
Seat yourself on the platform and devise a method to achieve a net rotation
using your arms and legs. Do not use the friction inherent in the platform by
using quick, jerking motions! You may wish to put weights in your hands to
increase the effectiveness of arm motions. (A cat has great flexibility that allows
for very effective movements.) Describe your method.

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