Difference between Generalised co-ordinates and degrees of freedom

In summary, in classical mechanics, there is a difference between generalised coordinates and degrees of freedom. For holonomic constraints, the number of generalised coordinates and degrees of freedom is equal to 3N-c, where N is the number of particles and c is the number of constraint equations. However, for non-holonomic constraints, the number of generalised coordinates is still 3N-c, but the number of degrees of freedom is reduced to 3N-k-k', where k is the number of constraint relations and k' is the number of non-holonomic constraint relations. These non-holonomic constraint relations are equations that do not explicitly depend on velocity. Therefore, they do not reduce the number of generalised coordinates required
  • #1
Aniket1
62
2
What is the difference between Generalised co-ordinates and Degrees of freedom in classical mechanics? I know that they are not equal when we have non-holonomic equations of constraints. But I don't know why.
 
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  • #2
In general for holonomic constraints, g = 3N-c

Where g is the number of independent generalised coordinates sufficient to specify (mechanically) the system of N particles and c is the number of independent constraint equations.

If the constraints are not specified as equations then the above is non holonomic and the above does not hold. Further conditions of constraint are needed to specify the system.

A simple example is a system of particles constrained to the surface of a sphere

R2=x2+y2+z2

This is holonomic.

But if the particle is constrained to the atmosphere and space above the sphere the system is not.

R2<x2+y2+z2
 
  • #3
Firstly, degrees of freedom is the NUMBER of general coordinates required to describe the EOM. Simply saying "Generalised coordinates" is a bit vague.

Secondly, not all the coordinates are required. Under most instances, we assume that bodies are rigid, meaning that particles are constrained to each other, and we only need to consider the body as a whole. Otherwise we would need a set of coordinates to describe each molecule (if the molecules are rigid of course).

In addition to that, there are constraint forces which furthermore eliminates degree of freedom. (e.g if a particle is on the table, with no extra vertical forces other than gravity, then you only need two coordinates rather than three, when the particle is free to move everywhere).

Usually, just try to count how many general coordinates you need at least to describe the free body, then take away the holonomic constraints, as you have mentioned, so that you don't have to deal with number on the order of Avogadro constant.
 
  • #4
Studiot said:
In general for holonomic constraints, g = 3N-c

Where g is the number of independent generalised coordinates sufficient to specify (mechanically) the system of N particles and c is the number of independent constraint equations.

If the constraints are not specified as equations then the above is non holonomic and the above does not hold. Further conditions of constraint are needed to specify the system.

A simple example is a system of particles constrained to the surface of a sphere

R2=x2+y2+z2

This is holonomic.

But if the particle is constrained to the atmosphere and space above the sphere the system is not.

R2<x2+y2+z2

I think the example you have given is for bilateral and unilateral constraint relations (repsectively) . Nonholonomic relations are those which do not depend on velocity explicitly.
 
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  • #5
ZealScience said:
Firstly, degrees of freedom is the NUMBER of general coordinates required to describe the EOM. Simply saying "Generalised coordinates" is a bit vague.

Secondly, not all the coordinates are required. Under most instances, we assume that bodies are rigid, meaning that particles are constrained to each other, and we only need to consider the body as a whole. Otherwise we would need a set of coordinates to describe each molecule (if the molecules are rigid of course).

In addition to that, there are constraint forces which furthermore eliminates degree of freedom. (e.g if a particle is on the table, with no extra vertical forces other than gravity, then you only need two coordinates rather than three, when the particle is free to move everywhere).

Usually, just try to count how many general coordinates you need at least to describe the free body, then take away the holonomic constraints, as you have mentioned, so that you don't have to deal with number on the order of Avogadro constant.

What I wanted to know is : Why is the number of "Generalised co-ordinates" different than the number of degrees of freedom for systems having non-holonomic constraints even when they have the same definition?
Books say: For holonomic cases both are equal to 3N-k (N=number of particles and k=number of constraint relations)
For non-holonomic cases Gen co-ordinates=3N-k
DOF= 3N - k - k' (k'=number of nonholonomic constraints.
 
  • #6
That is a slightly different question from the one you originally asked. I did wonder if that was what you really meant.

Start with the 3N degress of freedom (in 3D), which I assume you understand.

That means you need 3N pieces of information (the value of 3N variables) to fully determine the system.

If you can write 3N simultaneous equations or otherwise specify these values eg by the old standby x3 = 0 (given) then you can solve the system.

If you can introduce other equations from other sources then you can reduce the numberrequired from 3N.

But they have to be solvable equations, simultaneous with the rest of the set.

An inequality, such as I gave in my second previous example, does not satisfy this requirement and so does not qualify in the reducing set.
It is, nevertheless, a constraint condition.

So the equation that I originally offered could be rephrased:

The number of coordinates required = 3N minus the number of other equations you can dig up.
 
  • #7
Studiot said:
That is a slightly different question from the one you originally asked. I did wonder if that was what you really meant.

Start with the 3N degress of freedom (in 3D), which I assume you understand.

That means you need 3N pieces of information (the value of 3N variables) to fully determine the system.

If you can write 3N simultaneous equations or otherwise specify these values eg by the old standby x3 = 0 (given) then you can solve the system.

If you can introduce other equations from other sources then you can reduce the numberrequired from 3N.

But they have to be solvable equations, simultaneous with the rest of the set.

An inequality, such as I gave in my second previous example, does not satisfy this requirement and so does not qualify in the reducing set.
It is, nevertheless, a constraint condition.

So the equation that I originally offered could be rephrased:

The number of coordinates required = 3N minus the number of other equations you can dig up.

I haven't changed my question. I think you are getting confused between non-holonomic constraint relation and unilateral constraint relation. Non-holonomic constraint relations, too ARE equalities (with velocity terms). But still they don't reduce the number of generalised co-ordinates. They however, do decrease the degrees of freedom. I want to know why..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generalized_coordinates#Holonomic_constraints
 
  • #8
Pity you aren't paying any attention to what I was saying.
 
  • #9
here in this thread I have explained some issues regarding non holonomicity and non integrable relation
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=647529&highlight=holonomic
non holonomic system contain atleast one non integrable relation.These relations reduces the degree of freedom owing to non integrability.The example of a sphere on rough surface in the thread provided above will illustrate it.
 
  • #10
andrien said:
here in this thread I have explained some issues regarding non holonomicity and non integrable relation
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=647529&highlight=holonomic
non holonomic system contain atleast one non integrable relation.These relations reduces the degree of freedom owing to non integrability.The example of a sphere on rough surface in the thread provided above will illustrate it.

Thanks !
 

1. What is the difference between generalised coordinates and degrees of freedom?

Generalised coordinates are variables that describe the position and orientation of a system, while degrees of freedom refer to the number of independent parameters that are needed to fully specify the configuration of the system.

2. How are generalised coordinates and degrees of freedom related?

Generalised coordinates and degrees of freedom are closely related as the number of generalised coordinates needed to describe a system is equal to the number of degrees of freedom of that system.

3. Can a system have more generalised coordinates than degrees of freedom?

No, a system cannot have more generalised coordinates than degrees of freedom. This is because each generalised coordinate represents an independent variable, and if there are more variables than degrees of freedom, the system would be overconstrained.

4. How do generalised coordinates and degrees of freedom differ in different coordinate systems?

Generalised coordinates are independent of the coordinate system used, while degrees of freedom can vary depending on the choice of coordinate system. However, the total number of generalised coordinates and degrees of freedom will always remain the same.

5. What is the significance of generalised coordinates and degrees of freedom in physics?

Generalised coordinates and degrees of freedom are important in physics as they help in simplifying the mathematical description of complex systems. They allow for a more efficient analysis of the system's dynamics and help in finding the equations of motion for the system.

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