All Questions
Tagged with classical-mechanics lagrangian-formalism
1,466
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Are there any experiments that examine Hamilton's Principle directly?
Or can it be examined?
I 'd glad if you can share some ideas about "principles" in general.
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2
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Newton vs Lagrange's equations for a variable length pendulum
Consider a pendulum with a variable string length $l=f(\theta)$. The Lagrangian is:
$$L = \frac{m}{2}(\dot{l} ^ 2 + l^2 \dot{\theta} ^ 2) + mgl\cos\theta.$$
Using Lagrange multipliers for the ...
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1
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1
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Virtual displacement for a block sliding down a wedge
A block slides on a frictionless wedge which rests on a smooth horizontal plane. There are two constraints in this system. One that the wedge can only move horizontally and another that the block must ...
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Is there a straightforward simplified proof of energy conservation from time translation symmetry?
Electric charge conservation is easily proven from electric potential gauge symmetry, as follows:
The potential energy of an electric charge is proportional to the electric potential at its location.
...
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30
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6
answers
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Noether Theorem and Energy conservation in classical mechanics
I have a problem deriving the conservation of energy from time translation invariance. The invariance of the Lagrangian under infinitesimal time displacements $t \rightarrow t' = t + \epsilon$ can be ...
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35
votes
2
answers
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Lagrangian and Hamiltonian EOM with dissipative force
I am trying to write the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian for the forced Harmonic oscillator before quantizing it to get to the quantum picture. For EOM $$m\ddot{q}+\beta\dot{q}+kq=f(t),$$ I write the ...
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2
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1
answer
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Non-Holonomic constraint in rigid body dynamics
I have solved many problems on Holonomic constraint using Lagrange multiplier method but I don't know how to tackle problems on non-Holonomic constraint.
Can anyone help me with the following problem ...
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3
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1
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Does quasi-symmetry preserve the solution of the equation of motion?
In some field theory textbooks, such as the CFT Yellow Book (P40), the authors claim that a theory has a certain symmetry, which means that the action of the theory does not change under the symmetry ...
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What is the relationship between phase space and Jacobian in Nakahara Eq.1.15 (under this equation)?
In Nakahara's Geometry, topology and physics, under Eq.1.15 they give an equation
\begin{align*}
\det\left(\frac{\partial p_i}{\partial\dot{q}_j}\right)=\det\left(\frac{\partial^2L}{\partial\dot{q}_i\...
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3
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How to prove that $dh/dt = ∂h/∂t$ in Lagrangian mechanics?
We already know that the energy function $h(q,\dot{q},t)$ (not the Hamiltonian!) in classical mechanics follows the equation $$dh/dt = −∂L/∂t\tag{1}$$ but how can we show that $$dh/dt = ∂h/∂t\tag{2}$$ ...
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I need an explanation for the time derivative omissions when solving for the Lagrangian of a system [closed]
So I have been self-studying Landau and Lifshitz’s Mechanics for a little bit now, and I have been working through the problems, but Problem 3 is giving me some trouble. I solved the Lagrangian ...
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4
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Why can't we ascribe a (possibly velocity dependent) potential to a dissipative force?
Sorry if this is a silly question but I cant get my head around it.
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2
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292
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Generalized forces of constraint
When using the method of Lagrange undetermined multipliers, it's assumed that the constraint generalized force, $Q_j$, is given by:
$$Q_j=\lambda \cdot \frac{\partial f}{\partial q_{j}}$$
Where $f$ is ...
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2
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How do I check if a transformation is a point transformation?
In Lagrangian mechanics, I came across the notion of a point transformation which leaves the Lagrangian invariant. Normally it is denoted as follows.
$$Q = Q(q,t).$$
Now, unlike in the case of a ...
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2
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2
answers
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QFT introduction: From point mechanics to the continuum
In any introductory quantum field theory course, one gets introduced with the modification of the classical Lagrangian and the conjugate momentum to the field theory lagrangian (density) and conjugate ...
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Getting an opposite sign for the centrifugal potential energy in the effective potential [duplicate]
Consider a system whose Lagrangian is
$$L = \frac12 \mu\left( \dot r^2 + r^2 \dot\theta^2 \right) -U(r) $$
By the Euler-Lagrange equation,
$$\frac{\partial L}{\partial\theta}=\frac{d}{dt}\frac{\...
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3
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In equation (3) from lecture 7 in Leonard Susskind’s ‘Classical Mechanics’, should the derivatives be partial?
Here are the equations. ($V$ represents a potential function and $p$ represents momentum.)
$$V(q_1,q_2) = V(aq_1 - bq_2)$$
$$\dot{p}_1 = -aV'(aq_1 - bq_2)$$
$$\dot{p}_2 = +bV'(aq_1 - bq_2)$$
Should ...
Buzz♦
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2
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Does Hamilton's principle allow a path to have both a process of time forward evolution and a process of time backward evolution?
This is from Analytical Mechanics by Louis Hand et al. The proof is about Maupertuis' principle. The author seems to say that Hamilton's principle allow a path to have both a process of time forward ...
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2
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Meaning of $d\mathcal{L}=-H$ in analytical mechanics?
In Lagrangian mechanics the momentum is defined as:
$$p=\frac{\partial \mathcal{L}}{\partial \dot q}$$
Also we can define it as:
$$p=\frac{\partial S}{\partial q}$$
where $S$ is Hamilton's principal ...
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1
answer
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What is the degrees of freedom (Lagrange equation) of two connected spool rolling down two inclines?
I'm quite confused as to how to use the Lagrange equation [second type] in a system which features a spool rolling down an incline. I think this particular example is quite representative of what is ...
CommunityBot
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4
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Is there an error in Susskinds' derivation of Euler-Lagrange equations?
First, I believe there is a trivial error. The second equation should have another $\Delta t$ multiplying everything on the right. It is divided out later when the equation I set equal to 0.
Given ...
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1
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Action-angle variables for three-dimensional harmonic oscillator using cylindrical coordinates
I am solving problem 19 of ch 10 of Goldstein mechanics. The problem is:
A three-dimensional harmonic oscillator has the force constant k1 in the x- and y- directions and k3 in the z-direction. Using ...
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1
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Vanishing virtual work done by non-holonomic constraints
I was reading classical mechanics by NC Rana. I was reading a topic on vanishing virtual work done due to constraint forces. How do you prove that the virtual work done by non-holonomic constraint ...
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1
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333
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How do we get Maupertuis Principle from Hamilton's Principle?
Maupertuis principle says that if we know the initial and final coordinates but not time, the total energy and the fact that energy is conserved, we can choose the "right" path from all mathematically ...
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2
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Lagrangian function for two swivelling masses attached by a spring
I am just having a hard time finding the Lagrangian for this question. There are two massless rigid rods lengths R (connected to mass M) and r (connected to mass m) which both pivot around a fixed ...
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2
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82
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Generalized momentum
I am studying Hamiltonian Mechanics and I was questioning about some laws of conservation:
in an isolate system, the Lagrangian $\mathcal{L}=\mathcal{L}(q,\dot q)$ is a function of the generalized ...
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1
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How to describe the dynamics of a magnetic monopole charge in the external EM field using a Lagrangian in terms of the EM potentials?
The equation of motion of a magnetic charge in the fixed external electromagnetic field $\mathbf{E},\mathbf{B}$ is
$$
\frac{d}{dt}(\gamma m \mathbf{v})=q_m(\mathbf{B}-\mathbf{v}\times\mathbf{E}),
$$
...
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2
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1
answer
264
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Clarifications regarding the Maupertuis/Jacobi principle
I'm slightly confused regarding the Maupertuis' Principle. I have read the Wikipedia page but the confusion is even in that derivation. So, say we have a Lagrangian described by $\textbf{q}=(q^1,...q^...
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1
answer
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Confusing Goldstein Statement about Magnitude of the Lagrangian
On page 345 of Goldstein's Classical Mechanics 3rd Ed., he writes:
...the Hamiltonian is dependent both in magnitude and in functional form upon the initial choice of generalized coordinates. For the ...
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3
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1
answer
55
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Understanding gauge in Lagrangian mechanics [duplicate]
I know given a Lagrangian $\mathcal{L}$ satisfying the Euler-Lagrange equations, then the Lagrangian $\mathcal{L}'=\mathcal{L}+\frac{d}{dt}f(q,t)$ is also a solution of said equations. Nonetheless, I ...
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1
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Inclined plane - constraint - equation of motion
A mass point of mass $m$ moves frictionlessly down an inclide slope under influence of gravity. Solve the equations of motion and determine the constraint with the use of the lagrange equation of ...
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2
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Extending the Lagrangian of a double pendulum to systems with more complex shapes
The total kinetic energy of a double pendulum can be calculated as follows:
$$L = \frac{1}{2} (m_1 + m_2) {l_1}^2 \dot{\theta_1}^2 + \frac{1}{2} m_2 {l_2}^2 \dot{\theta_2}^2 + m_2 l_1 l_2 \dot{\...
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Lagrangian Mechanics - Bead sliding on a rotating rod
Say I have a bead of mass $m$ sliding on a friction-less rod (or wire) that is rotating with a permanent angular velocity $\omega$. The whole system is under the influence of a uniform gravitational ...
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What is the difference between the applied, external force and the generalized force?
in analytical mechanics, we define the generalized force using the applied force times $dr/dq$. If I want to express the difference between the external and generalized force in words in order to ...
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votes
4
answers
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Variation of a function
I'm studying calculus of variations and Lagrangian mechanics and i don't understand something about the variational operator
Let's say for example that i got a Lagrangian $L [x(t), \dot{x}(t), t] $ ...
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1
answer
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Trying to derive relativistic dispersion formula
If we define conserved quantities of motion as constants arising from continuous symmetries of the system (Lagrangian), why does the following argument not give the correct result?
Let $\gamma: I \to ...
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2
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On Landaus&Lifshitz's derivation of the lagrangian of a free particle [duplicate]
I'm reading the first pages of Landaus&Lifshitz's Mechanics tome. I'm looking for some clarification on the derivation of the Lagrange function for the mechanical system composed of a single free ...
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1
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Subsequent motion (time evolution) of angled dipoles in electric field
Suppose we have a system of two dipoles, each with dipole moment $\mathbf{p}=2aq$ each aligned at angles $\theta$ and $-\theta$ with the horizontal. I’m thinking of an angle bracket shape, essentially....
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1
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Landau's derivation of a free particle's kinetic energy- expansion of a function?
I was reading a bit of Landau and Lifshitz's Mechanics the other day and ran into the following part, where the authors are about to derive the kinetic energy of a free particle. They use the fact ...
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8
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Calculus of variations -- how does it make sense to vary the position and the velocity independently?
In the calculus of variations, particularly Lagrangian mechanics, people often say we vary the position and the velocity independently. But velocity is the derivative of position, so how can you treat ...
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Why exactly do we say $L = L(q, \dot{q})$ and $H = H(q, p)$?
In classical mechanics, we perform a Legendre transform to switch from $L(q, \dot{q})$ to $H(q, p)$. This has always been confusing to me, because we can always write $L$ in terms of $q$ and $p$ by ...
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How did the boundary term vanish in deriving equation of motion from Lagrangian? [closed]
I was deriving the equation of motion from Lagrangian, by using the principle of least action. Usually, at this point in derivation,
$$\int dt \frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{q}} \frac{\partial}{\...
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1
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Analogy of Euler-Lagrange-equation and Continuity equation
It seems to me that there is a link between the continuity equation
$$\nabla\rho u + \frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t} = 0$$
and the Euler-Lagrange equation for Lagrangian mechanics
$$\nabla_q L - \...
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2
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0
answers
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Why can't we treat the Lagrangian as a function of the generalized positions and momenta and vary that? [duplicate]
Some background: In Lagrangian mechanics, to obtain the EL equations, one varies the action (I will be dropping the time dependence since I don't think it's relevant) $$S[q^i(t)] = \int dt \, L(q^i, \...
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Canonical equations of motion
The Hamiltonian is obtained as the Legendre transform of the Lagrangian:
\begin{equation}
H(q,p,t)=\sum_i p_i \dot{q_i} - L(q,\dot{q},t)\tag{1}
\end{equation}
If the Hamiltonian is expressed in ...
CommunityBot
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Question about Problem $12$ in Chapter $11$ from Kibble & Berkshire's book
I write again the problem for convinience:
A rigid rod of length $2a$ is suspended by two light, inextensible strings of length $l$ joining its ends to supports also a distance $2a$ apart and level ...
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3
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2
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Locally accessible dimensions of configuration space
I am reading a book called "Structure and Interpretation of Classical Mechanics"
by MIT Press.While discussing configuration space and degrees of freedom,the authors remark the following:
Strictly ...
CommunityBot
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3
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Why the Lagrangian of a free particle cannot depend on the position or time, explicitly?
On p. 5 in $\S$3 pf the book of Mechanics by Landau & Lifshitz, it is claimed that
[...] for a free particle, the homogeneity of space and time implies
that Lagrangian cannot depend on ...
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2
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Can classical Lagrangian mechanics be obtained directly from energy conservation?
Is there a way to derive classical Lagrangian mechanics (in particular, the classical Lagrangian $L = T-V$ and the Euler-Lagrange equation), under the simple assumption that mechanical energy is ...
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1
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Perturbation of central field potential
i`d like to consider system with Coulomb potential: $U = -\frac{\alpha}{r}$ and constant magnetic field.It is easy to write Lagrangian function:
$$ L = \frac{m}{2}(\dot{\rho}^2 + \rho^2\dot{\phi}^2) + ...
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