Gauge Transformations: Can G(t,q) be Expressed Differently?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the gauge function G(t,q) in the context of Lagrangian mechanics and its derivatives. Participants clarify the relationship between G and its variables, emphasizing the expression of the time derivative of G as 𝜎G = \frac{\partial G}{\partial q} \dot{q} + \frac{\partial G}{\partial t}. The ability to interchange the order of derivatives is confirmed under the condition that G is a function of both q and t. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the Euler-Lagrange equations and generalized momenta in mechanical systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics
  • Familiarity with partial derivatives and their applications
  • Knowledge of the Euler-Lagrange equations
  • Basic concepts of gauge functions in physics
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  • Study the derivation and applications of the Euler-Lagrange equations
  • Explore the properties of gauge functions in classical mechanics
  • Learn about the implications of changing the order of derivatives in multivariable calculus
  • Investigate the role of generalized momenta in Lagrangian systems
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Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focusing on classical mechanics, Lagrangian dynamics, and mathematical physics. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of gauge transformations and their applications in mechanical systems.

dynamicskillingme
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Homework Statement


For a gauge function G(t,q) where
gif.gif
,
does
gif.gif
or
gif.gif
have any alternative form or can they be expressed in any other way?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Could you give a little more context to your question? I assume you're talking about electromagnetism? Or are you talking about quantum field theory? What is L and L'?
 
Its a mechanical system, but just working on proofs and theory so
gif.gif


I'm working on proving how different quantities change, such as the euler lagrange equations, the generalised momenta, mechanical energy and power
 
So for example for the euler lagrange I have
gif.gif
 
correction
gif.gif
 
Oh, so you're just talking about Lagrangian mechanics.

If G is a function of q and t, then you have:

\dot{G} = \frac{\partial G}{\partial q} \dot{q} + \frac{\partial G}{\partial t}

So in that case, \frac{\partial \dot{G}}{\partial \dot{q}} = \frac{\partial G}{\partial q}
 
Oh wow, this is painful how much I overlooked that. Thanks!
 
stevendaryl said:
Oh, so you're just talking about Lagrangian mechanics.

If G is a function of q and t, then you have:

\dot{G} = \frac{\partial G}{\partial q} \dot{q} + \frac{\partial G}{\partial t}

So in that case, \frac{\partial \dot{G}}{\partial \dot{q}} = \frac{\partial G}{\partial q}

A quick question about the same function, would
l%20G%7D%7B%5Cpartial%20q%7D%20%3D%20%5Cfrac%7B%5Cpartial%20%5Cdot%7BG%7D%7D%7B%5Cpartial%20q%7D.gif
be a true statement?
 
dynamicskillingme said:
A quick question about the same function, would
l%20G%7D%7B%5Cpartial%20q%7D%20%3D%20%5Cfrac%7B%5Cpartial%20%5Cdot%7BG%7D%7D%7B%5Cpartial%20q%7D.gif
be a true statement?

Yes, if G is only a function of q and t.
 
  • #10
stevendaryl said:
Yes, if G is only a function of q and t.

G is a function of q and t, (G(t,q) to be exact). Could you explain why you can change the order of the derivatives in this case?
 
  • #11
dynamicskillingme said:
G is a function of q and t, (G(t,q) to be exact). Could you explain why you can change the order of the derivatives in this case?

If you have a function X(t,q)of q and t, then \dot{X} = \frac{d}{dt} X = (\frac{\partial}{\partial t} + \frac{\partial}{\partial q} \frac{dq}{dt}) X = (\frac{\partial}{\partial t} + \frac{\partial}{\partial q} \dot{q}) X

So \dot{G} = \frac{\partial G}{\partial t} + \dot{q} \frac{\partial G}{\partial q}. Therefore, \frac{\partial \dot{G}}{\partial q} = \frac{\partial^2 G}{\partial t \partial q} + \dot{q} \frac{\partial^2 G}{\partial q^2}.

Similarly, \frac{d}{dt} \frac{\partial G}{\partial q} = (\frac{\partial}{\partial t} + \frac{\partial}{\partial q} \dot{q}) \frac{\partial G}{\partial q} = \frac{\partial^2 G}{\partial t \partial q} + \frac{\partial^2 G}{\partial q^2} \dot{q}
 
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