Does Greater Energy Equal Greater Mass in Classical Mechanics?

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The discussion centers on the concept of position-dependent mass in classical mechanics, particularly in relation to the Lagrangian equation and harmonic oscillators. Participants express confusion over the term and its relevance, with some questioning its application in real physical systems versus its mathematical nature. A reference to Professor Roger Penrose's work introduces the idea that gravitational energy changes with mass separation, suggesting a link between energy and mass. However, this concept is deemed distinct from the original inquiry about position-dependent mass. The conversation highlights a need for clarity and understanding of these complex topics in physics.
Ibrahim Mustafa
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Hello, I have some trouble understanding the position-dependent mass concept in classical mechanics especially with the lagrangian equation and the relation with the harmonic oscillator. Is there a person can provide a brief on the subject?.
 
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I have no clue what you mean by "position-dependent mass concept". It doesn't make any sense to me anyway, but do you have a reference?
 
I upload paper related to this topic and there is more but I couldn't understand them.
 

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Ok, that's a funny mathematical study. I've no clue, where this is used to describe real physical systems. So what are your specific questions concerning the paper?
 
And this talk about this term in classical and quantum.
 

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I want to know the meaning of "position-dependent mass", also why and where we use it?
 
As I said, I have no clue, where in physics this idea is applied. It looks to me as if this is a purely mathematical exercise. Perhaps other forum members are more knowledgeable about this subject.
 
vanhees71 said:
As I said, I have no clue, where in physics this idea is applied. It looks to me as if this is a purely mathematical exercise. Perhaps other forum members are more knowledgeable about this subject.
Thank you for paying attention.
 
I read in Professor Roger Penrose's book "The Road To Reality" in section 20 dealing with gravity's role in quantum state reduction that the total gravitational energy of two masses is different when they are separated than when closer together. So would this mean that in this case greater energy means greater mass?
 
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wwoollyyhheeaa said:
So would this mean that greater energy means greater mass?
Yes, but that's different from what Ibrahim Mustafa is asking about.
 
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