Lagrangian -> Equation of motion derivation

In summary, the conversation is about verifying that the Lagrangian equations of motion for two different equations yield the same equations. The equations in question are L=\frac{1}{12}m^{2}\dot{x}^{4}+m\dot{x}^{2}V-V^{2} and L=\frac{1}{2}m\dot{x}^{2}-V. The homework involves using Lagranges equation of motion to solve this problem, but the person asking for help is having trouble getting the correct answer and is asking for assistance.
  • #1
Simonelis
2
0

Homework Statement


I teach myself classical mechanics from David Tong
http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/dynamics.html
From the homework set
I should verify that the Lagrangian

L=[itex]\frac{1}{12}m^{2}\dot{x}^{4}+m\dot{x}^{2}V-V^{2}[/itex]

Yields the same equations as the mere L=[itex]\frac{1}{2}m\dot{x}^{2}-V[/itex]



Homework Equations



Lagranges equation of motion

The Attempt at a Solution



This seems kinda trivial exercise, straightforward derivative computation yields

something like
[itex]m\dot{x}^{2}\left(\frac{\partial V}{\partial x}-m\ddot{x}\right)-2V\left(\frac{\partial V}{\partial x}+m\ddot{x}\right)=0[/itex]

which should somehow factor out and give simple equation.

Still, it does not seem to...

Could anyone help with this one?
 
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  • #2
I think you just made a sign error somewhere. Recheck your algebra.
 

1. What is the Lagrangian method?

The Lagrangian method is a mathematical approach used in classical mechanics to derive the equations of motion of a system. It was developed by Italian mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange in the late 18th century.

2. How is the Lagrangian method different from the Newtonian method?

The Lagrangian method differs from the Newtonian method in that it takes a more general and abstract approach to solving problems in classical mechanics. Instead of using forces and accelerations, it uses a mathematical function called the Lagrangian, which represents the energy of the system.

3. What are the advantages of using the Lagrangian method?

The Lagrangian method has several advantages over the Newtonian method. It is more elegant and concise, and it can be applied to a wider range of problems, including systems with constraints and systems with varying numbers of particles. It also allows for the use of generalized coordinates, which can simplify the equations of motion.

4. How is the Lagrangian derived?

The Lagrangian is derived by considering the total kinetic and potential energies of a system. The kinetic energy is calculated using the masses and velocities of the particles in the system, while the potential energy is determined by the forces acting on the particles. The Lagrangian is then defined as the difference between the kinetic and potential energies.

5. How does the Lagrangian method lead to the equations of motion?

The equations of motion are obtained by applying the principle of least action, which states that the actual path taken by a system is the one that minimizes the action, a mathematical quantity defined by the Lagrangian. By varying the action with respect to the coordinates and velocities of the system, the equations of motion can be derived.

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