A Newtonian system mathematically always a trivial bundle?

In summary, a Newtonian system is a physical system that follows the laws of classical mechanics, described by Sir Isaac Newton. A trivial bundle, on the other hand, is a mathematical concept that represents a product space where each point in one space is paired with a unique point in another space. In the context of classical mechanics, a Newtonian system can be represented as a trivial bundle, with the base space being the configuration space and the fiber space being the velocity space. This is because the mathematical description of classical mechanics is based on the concept of a trivial bundle. However, there may be exceptions to this, such as when dealing with non-inertial reference frames or systems with constraints.
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pellman
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The phase space of a Newtonian system is a cotangent bundle, where the base space is the manifold M of the configuration space (the positions) and the typical fiber is the cotangent space T*M (the momenta). Is it always the case that this cotangent bundle is the trivial bundle M x TM?
 
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  • #2
No. The cotangent bundle is homeomorphic to the tangent bundle and tangent bundles are not always trivial. M cross TM is the manifold cross the tangent bundle, which is not what you want to say there.
 
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1. What is a Newtonian system?

A Newtonian system is a physical system that follows the laws of classical mechanics, as described by Sir Isaac Newton's laws of motion.

2. What is a trivial bundle?

A trivial bundle is a mathematical concept that refers to a product space where each point in one space is paired with a unique point in another space. In other words, it is a set of points that can be described as a direct product of two spaces.

3. How are Newtonian systems and trivial bundles related?

In the context of classical mechanics, a Newtonian system can be mathematically represented as a trivial bundle, with the base space being the configuration space and the fiber space being the velocity space.

4. Why is a Newtonian system always a trivial bundle?

This is because the mathematical description of classical mechanics, including Newton's laws of motion, is based on the concept of a trivial bundle. Therefore, any system that follows these laws will also be represented as a trivial bundle.

5. Are there any exceptions to a Newtonian system being a trivial bundle?

Yes, there are some cases where a Newtonian system may not be represented as a trivial bundle, such as when dealing with non-inertial reference frames or systems with constraints. However, in most cases, a Newtonian system can be mathematically described as a trivial bundle.

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