A question about Noether theorem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between Noether's theorem and the concept that the work done by a force perpendicular to velocity is always zero. Participants explore whether Noether's theorem can be applied to derive this result and seek clarification on the connection between the two concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to derive that the work of a force perpendicular to velocity is zero using Noether's theorem.
  • Another participant suggests that Noether's theorem is not necessary for this derivation and provides a Newtonian mechanics approach to demonstrate that the work done is zero when the force is perpendicular to velocity.
  • Some participants express confusion about the relationship between Noether's theorem and the work done by perpendicular forces, noting that Noether's theorem involves invariance under orthogonal transformations but does not clarify the work-energy relationship.
  • There is a repeated emphasis on the need to understand how Noether's theorem relates to the concept of work done by forces that are orthogonal to motion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of Noether's theorem for deriving the work-energy relationship in this context. There are competing views on whether Noether's theorem is relevant or necessary for the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the potential limitations in understanding the connection between Noether's theorem and the work done by perpendicular forces, indicating that further clarification is needed regarding the assumptions and definitions involved.

larsa
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How can I derive that the work of a force perpendicular to velocity is always zero from the theorem of Noether?
I have heard that there is a relation between these two but in Google I found nothing.

Thank you very much
 
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For that you don't need Noether's theorem. The usual work theorem will do. The Newtonian EoM reads
$$m \ddot{\vec{x}}=\vec{F}.$$
Now multiply with ##\dot{\vec{x}}##, and you get
$$m \dot{\vec{x}} \cdot \ddot{\vec{x}}=\frac{\mathrm{d}}{\mathrm{d} t} \frac{m}{2} \dot{\vec{x}}^2 = \vec{F} \cdot \dot{\vec{x}}.$$
Now you if ##\dot{\vec{x}} \perp \vec{F}## the right-hand side is 0, and thus the kinetic energy is constant, i.e., the force doesn't do work.
 
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vanhees71 said:
For that you don't need Noether's theorem.
Yes, but the question has been, how they are related? I came so far to see that Noether says: work as a function of force and position (##\;dW = F(\vec{x}) \cdot \nabla \vec{x}\;##) is invariant under orthogonal coordinate transformations. But how is this related to the fact, that an orthogonal force doesn't add work? (I just don't see the argument.)
 
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fresh_42 said:
Yes, but the question has been, how they are related? I came so far to see that Noether says: work as a function of force and position (##\;dW = F(\vec{x}) \cdot \nabla \vec{x}\;##) is invariant under orthogonal coordinate transformations. But how is this related to the fact, that an orthogonal force doesn't add work? (I just don't see the argument.)
There must be some relation but i can't imagine any. Thank you for your answer
 

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