Lagrangians in generalized coordinates
The function
takes a coordinate path; the function
takes a configuration path.
Computing Actions
makes a procedure that represents a function of one argument that has no known properties other than the given symbolic name.
The method of computing the action from the coordinate representation of a Lagrangian and a coordinate path does not depend on the coordinate system.
Exercise 1.4. Lagrangian actions
For a free particle an appropriate Lagrangian is
![]()
Suppose that
is the constant-velocity straight-line path of a free particle, such that
and
. Show that the action on the solution path is
![]()
— Structure and Interpretation of Classical Mechanics
.
— Me@2006-2008
— Me@2019-03-10 11:08:29 PM
.
.
2019.03.10 Sunday (c) All rights reserved by ACHK