Are Canonical Transformations the Key to Understanding Hamiltonian Dynamics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of canonical transformations in Hamiltonian dynamics, specifically exploring the conditions under which a transformation can be classified as canonical and the relationship between different sets of transformations that preserve Hamiltonian form.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a canonical transformation involving coordinates and momenta, proposing that it is characterized by the existence of a new Hamiltonian and a function that satisfies a specific equation.
  • The same participant questions how to prove that a transformation is canonical if and only if the Poisson bracket condition holds.
  • Another point raised involves the relationship between two sets of transformations: one that satisfies the canonical transformation condition and another that conserves the Hamiltonian form of equations of motion, suggesting a potential link between these sets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved, with participants exploring different aspects of canonical transformations without reaching a consensus on the proofs or relationships proposed.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the assumptions underlying their claims, and the discussion involves complex mathematical relationships that may depend on specific definitions of canonical transformations and Poisson brackets.

newton_1372
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I have a system described by the hamiltonian H in the coordinates i, p_i. A transformation of the type
$Q_i = Q_i(q_i, p_i)$ is called "canonical" if exists a new Hamiltonian, say K(Q,P), and a function F(Q_i,P_i,q_i,p_i) such that is verified

p\dot q_i-H=P_i\dot Q_i-K+\frac{dF}{dt}

How can i prove that a trasformation is canonical (in this sense) if and only if
\{Q_i,P_j\}=\delta_{ij}
when {} are the Poisson's braket?

I'd wish to understand another thing regardind that. I found a derivation that shows that is sufficient that is been conserved the hamiltonian form of equations of motion to conserve poisson brakets...but we know that the transformations satisfing 1). are not the unique to conserve the hamiltonian form of eq. of motion...so, what is the link between these 2 sets of trasformations?

SETS 1. Trasformations such that exists K, and F t.c. the eq. 1). is satisfied.
SETS 2. Trasformations such that exists K satisfing the equation of motion of Hamilton:
\dot Q = \frac{\partial K}{\partial P}\\ \dot P = -\frac{\partial K}{\partial Q}
 
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