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.
 
Hello, I'm joining this forum to ask two questions which have nagged me for some time. I am in no way trolling. They both are presumed obvious, yet don't make sense to me. Nobody will explain their positions, which is...uh...aka science. I also have a thread for the other question. Yes, I'm questioning the most elementary physics question we're given in this world. The classic elevator in motion question: A person is standing on a scale in an elevator that is in constant motion...