A Doubt in a step while deriving Bertrand theorem

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around the derivation of Bertrand's Theorem as presented in Goldstein's 2nd edition, specifically addressing the use of Fourier expansion in the context of the orbit equation under a conservative central force. The author questions the rationale behind employing only cosine terms in the Fourier expansion of the deviation from circularity, ##x##, particularly in relation to the evenness of the right-hand side of equation A-10. It is suggested that the evenness of the solution may stem from the nature of the orbit equation, where if ##u(x)## is a solution, then ##u(-x)## is also a solution. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the conditions under which the right-hand side of A-10 behaves as an even function of ##\theta##. Clarity on these conditions is essential for justifying the choice of Fourier terms in the derivation.
Kashmir
Messages
466
Reaction score
74
Goldstein 2nd ed.

In its Appendix is given the derivation of Bertrands Theorem.
Screenshot_20211029_103327.jpg
Here ##x=u-u_0## is the deviation from circularity and ##J(u)=-\frac{m}{l^{2}} \frac{d}{d u} V\left(\frac{1}{u}\right)=-\frac{m}{l^{2} u^{2}} f\left(\frac{1}{u}\right)##

If the R.H.S of A-10 was zero, the solution was then ##a \cos(β\theta)##. However if there are terms on the RHS as given in equation A-10 the author writes the solution as a Fourier sum involving only cosine terms .
Now how does the author know that we should use a Fourier expansion of ##x## using only cosine terms with argument ##β\theta##?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Do you have a condition that RHS of A-10 is even function of ##\theta## ?
 
anuttarasammyak said:
Do you have a condition that RHS of A-10 is even function of ##\theta## ?
We started from the orbit equation under a conservative central force written as
##
\frac{d^{2} u}{d \theta^{2}}+u=J(u)
##
where
##
J(u)=-\frac{m}{l^{2}} \frac{d}{d u} V\left(\frac{1}{u}\right)=-\frac{m}{l^{2} u^{2}} f\left(\frac{1}{u}\right)
## which i believe if ##u(x)##is its solution then ##u(-x)## is as well.
So maybe the eveness of solution comes from here. I'm not sure.
 
Thread 'Why higher speeds need more power if backward force is the same?'
Power = Force v Speed Power of my horse = 104kgx9.81m/s^2 x 0.732m/s = 1HP =746W Force/tension in rope stay the same if horse run at 0.73m/s or at 15m/s, so why then horse need to be more powerfull to pull at higher speed even if backward force at him(rope tension) stay the same? I understand that if I increase weight, it is hrader for horse to pull at higher speed because now is backward force increased, but don't understand why is harder to pull at higher speed if weight(backward force)...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K