New Reply

Generalized coordinates in Lagrangian mechanics

 
Share Thread Thread Tools
Jun29-12, 12:34 PM   #1
 

Generalized coordinates in Lagrangian mechanics


In some texts about Lagrangian mechanics,its written that the generalized coordinates need not be length and angles(as is usual in coordinate systems)but they also can be quantities with other dimensions,say,energy,[itex]length^2[/itex] or even dimensionless.
I wanna know how will be the Lagrange's equations in such coordinates?
Could you give an example whose proper coordinates are as such?
Thanks
 
PhysOrg.com
PhysOrg
physics news on PhysOrg.com

>> Iron-platinum alloys could be new-generation hard drives
>> Lab sets a new record for creating heralded photons
>> Breakthrough calls time on bootleg booze
Jun29-12, 05:15 PM   #2
 
Mentor
Lagranges equations are unchanged regardless of the units of the coordinates. You can take any problem with lengths and angles and simply do an arbitrary change of variables to get a coordinate in any units you like. E.g. Take any length and divide by the speed of light and you have a new coordinate with units of time.
 
Jun29-12, 06:42 PM   #3
 
tbf, angles are dimensionless so there's no issue there.
 
New Reply
Thread Tools


Similar Threads for: Generalized coordinates in Lagrangian mechanics
Thread Forum Replies
(Lagrangian mechanics) Determining generalized coordinates/constraints. Classical Physics 0
A question about mechanics and generalized coordinates. Classical Physics 6
independence of generalized coordinates in Lagrangian Classical Physics 0
Generalized coordinates Advanced Physics Homework 3
Lagrangian mechanics (problem with generalized coordinates) Introductory Physics Homework 11