Conditions for Lagrangian Conserved Quantity A(q,p)=qp

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the conditions under which the potential \( V(q) \) allows for the conserved quantity \( A(q,p) = qp \) in the Lagrangian \( L = m \dot{q}^2 - V(q) \). It is established that the potential must be scale-invariant, satisfying the condition \( V(cq) = V(q)c \) for any constant \( c \). Additionally, the Poisson bracket condition \( \{A,H\} = 0 \) leads to a differential equation for \( V(q) \), resulting in the solution \( V(q) = C \ln(q) + C_1 \), where \( C \) is a constant.

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Homework Statement



what condition must satisfy the potential so a Lagrangian m \dot q \dot q - V(q)

has as a conserved quantity A(q,p)=qp


Homework Equations



A(q,p)=qp m \dot q \dot q - V(q)

The Attempt at a Solution



since we have the conserved quantity A(q,p)=qp [/tex] i believe that a condition for the potential is to be scale-invariant v(cq)=V(q)c for any constant 'c'

the other attempt to solution is this, since 'A' is a conserved quantity then the Poisson brackets should vanish so {A,H}=0 using the definition of Poisson bracket i should get an ODe for the potential V(q).
 
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zetafunction said:

Homework Statement



what condition must satisfy the potential so a Lagrangian m \dot q \dot q - V(q)

has as a conserved quantity A(q,p)=qp

Homework Equations



A(q,p)=qp m \dot q \dot q - V(q)

The Attempt at a Solution



since we have the conserved quantity A(q,p)=qp [/tex] i believe that a condition for the potential is to be scale-invariant v(cq)=V(q)c for any constant 'c'

the other attempt to solution is this, since 'A' is a conserved quantity then the Poisson brackets should vanish so {A,H}=0 using the definition of Poisson bracket i should get an ODe for the potential V(q).

Interesting problem, I tried the poisson brackets got a solution check it out if it makes sense to you.

\frac{\partial}{\partial q}A \frac{\partial}{\partial p}H - \frac{\partial}{\partial p}A \frac{\partial}{\partial q}V = 0

p\frac{\partial}{\partial p}H - q \frac{\partial}{\partial q}V = 0

m\dot q\frac{\partial m\dot q^2}{\partial m\dot q} - q \frac{\partial}{\partial q}V = 0

2\left(\frac{\partial q}{\partial t}\right)^2 = q \frac{\partial}{\partial q}V

Now left term is time dependent and the right term is time dependent for this DE to hold for all time both of them must be equal to a constant say C

C = q \frac{\partial}{\partial q}V

which leaves us with

V(q) = C\ln(q) + C_{1}

does this make sense to you? I saw no one gave this one a shot so I tried, but I am not entirely sure.
 
Last edited:

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