Eliminating Lambda to Solve Question 2(b) of Physics Homework

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving question 2(b) of a physics homework assignment, specifically on eliminating the variable lambda (λ) to express the wave potential energy (U). Participants clarify that the Lagrangian is not equivalent to potential energy, but rather the difference between kinetic and potential energy. The recommended approach involves expanding λ into its constituent terms and combining the resulting integrals to achieve the desired form.

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Cosmossos
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Homework Statement


Hello ,
Please look at question 2 (b).
http://phstudy.technion.ac.il/~wn114101/hw/wn2010_hw05.pdf

I got that the lagragian is the potential energy (as in part a of the question)
How Do I eliminate the lamda so I can write the U (wave) as requested?
Or In Other word, How do I do b?
thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Cosmossos said:

Homework Statement


Hello ,
Please look at question 2 (b).
http://phstudy.technion.ac.il/~wn114101/hw/wn2010_hw05.pdf

I got that the lagragian is the potential energy (as in part a of the question)
How Do I eliminate the lamda so I can write the U (wave) as requested?
Or In Other word, How do I do b?
thanks

Quick note: The Lagrangian is not the potential energy. It does have a potential term in it but it is not the potential energy; it is the difference between the kinetic energy and the potential energy.

The problem looks pretty straightforward. If you expand \lambda to the two terms inside the bracket and then combine the two integrals, you should get the form requested.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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