Can configuration space be observer independent?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of observer independence in configuration space within the context of Lagrangian mechanics. Participants explore whether configuration space can be formulated without reliance on specific observers or coordinates. The configuration space is defined as a smooth manifold, denoted as M, paired with a Lagrangian function L: TM → ℝ. The inquiry highlights the need for a definition of configuration space that is independent of observer-specific parameters, particularly in relation to a 4D spacetime framework.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics and the definition of a Lagrangian system
  • Familiarity with smooth manifolds and their role in physics
  • Knowledge of 4D spacetime concepts in theoretical physics
  • Basic grasp of worldlines and their representation in configuration space
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  • Research the formulation of configuration space in Lagrangian mechanics
  • Explore the concept of observer independence in theoretical physics
  • Study the mathematical properties of smooth manifolds
  • Investigate the implications of constraints in configuration space
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The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, mathematicians specializing in geometry, and students of advanced mechanics seeking to deepen their understanding of configuration space and observer independence.

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We can formulate the spacetime in an observer/coordinate independent way, i.e. a particle becomes a worldline in the 4d space. Then relative to each observer, the worldline can be casted to a function in R^3. However, I haven't found any reference on formulating configuration space in a coordinate independent way. It seems that the configuration space is formed in a way with a particular observer and some particular coordinates for the state of the system. Just want to ask if there's such a concept as observer independent configuration space?
 
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I don’t understand. Why would configuration space be observer dependent?
 
An example could clarify the question I guess.
Say, the configuration space of the pendulum is ##S^1##. Which observer does see anything else?
 
Dale said:
I don’t understand. Why would configuration space be observer dependent?
I just don't usually see coordinate independent formulation of the configuration space.
 
By definition a Lagrangian system is a pair (L,M), where M is a smooth manifold called the configuration space and ##L: TM\to \mathbb{R}## is a smooth function
ok?
 
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wrobel said:
By definition a Lagrangian system is a pair (L,M), where M is a smooth manifold called the configuration space and ##L: TM\to \mathbb{R}## is a smooth function
ok?
Sorry, the question may sound a bit weird. I will try to give a more detailed explanation on what structure I have in mind before rasing the question.

So first, we have a 4d spacetime, there are n worldlines in the spacetime representing n particles forming a system with certain interation. There might be constraints at each spatial slice, such as the distance between two particles maintain the same.

These definitions are observer independent that fully describe the system, so if the configuration space is also observer independent, we should be able to derive the configuration space structure purely from the above. My question is how to craft such a definition?
 

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