Angular momentum in Lagrangian Mechanics

In summary, in classical mechanics problems involving central forces, the center of mass movement can be decreased by using the Lagrangian formula. This involves the use of the cyclic variable \varphi and defining the angular momentum as mr^2 \varphi'=l. There are two ways to approach this problem, and in the first method, using the Euler-Lagrange equation, the derivative of momentum with respect to time is equal to the sum of the centripetal force and the negative derivative of the potential energy. In the second method, exchanging \varphi and using the Euler-Lagrange equation, the derivative of momentum with respect to time is equal to the negative derivative of the potential energy. This difference is due to the fact that
  • #1
TheDragon
10
0
In Newton's problem,and other central force problems in Classical Mechanics, you can get with decreasing the center of mass movement to the lagrangian:
[itex]L=1/2m(r' ^2+r^2 \varphi'^2)-V(r) [/itex]
because [itex]\varphi [/itex] is cyclic, you can write:
[itex]\frac{d}{dt}(mr^2 \varphi')=0 [/itex]
or, defining the angular momentum:
[itex]mr^2 \varphi'=l [/itex]

In order for you to understand my question we will go through two ways:

Way no.1) Now if you go ahead and use euler-lagrange equation to r you will get:
[itex]\frac{d}{dt}(mr')=mr\varphi'^2-\frac{∂V(r)}{∂r} [/itex]
and exchanging for l you can get:
[itex]\frac{d}{dt}(mr')=\frac{l^2}{mr^3}-\frac{∂V(r)}{∂r} [/itex]

Way no.2) But if you first excange phi and then use euler-lagrange to r you get:
[itex]L=1/2m(r' ^2+\frac{l^2}{m^2r^2})-V(r)=1/2mr' ^2+\frac{l^2}{2mr^2}-V(r) [/itex]
and then euler lagrange for r:
[itex]\frac{d}{dt}(mr')=\frac{∂}{∂r}(\frac{l^2}{2mr^2})-\frac{∂V(r)}{∂r}=-\frac{l^2}{mr^3}-\frac{∂V(r)}{∂r} [/itex]

The plus in way no.1 became a minus in way no.2. How can you explain it?
If you can, don't show me a solution using energy because I already know that one. I want to use only lagrangian formalism.
 
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  • #2
The answer to the question is that the angular momentum is a constant in relation to time, but the partial derivative in r is not zero. In other words:
[itex]\frac{dl}{dt}=0[/itex],

[itex]\frac{∂l}{∂r}\neq0[/itex].

I do think that:
[itex]\frac{dl}{dr}=0[/itex].
 

What is angular momentum in Lagrangian Mechanics?

Angular momentum in Lagrangian Mechanics is a measure of the rotational motion of a system. It is defined as the cross product of the position vector and the linear momentum of a particle, or the sum of the individual angular momenta of all particles in a system.

How is angular momentum conserved in Lagrangian Mechanics?

In Lagrangian Mechanics, angular momentum is conserved if there is no external torque acting on the system. This means that the total angular momentum of the system remains constant over time.

What is the significance of angular momentum in Lagrangian Mechanics?

The concept of angular momentum is important in Lagrangian Mechanics because it allows us to describe and analyze the rotational motion of a system. It is also a conserved quantity, which can be used to solve complex problems in physics and engineering.

Can we calculate the angular momentum of a system in Lagrangian Mechanics?

Yes, the angular momentum of a system in Lagrangian Mechanics can be calculated using the Lagrangian equations of motion. These equations take into account the position, velocity, and mass of each particle in the system to determine the total angular momentum.

How does angular momentum relate to other quantities in Lagrangian Mechanics?

Angular momentum is closely related to other quantities in Lagrangian Mechanics, such as kinetic energy and potential energy. In some cases, these quantities can be used to derive the equations of motion for a system based on the principle of conservation of angular momentum.

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