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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the gauge function G(t,q) within the context of Lagrangian mechanics, specifically exploring whether G can be expressed in alternative forms and how various quantities change in relation to it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of G being a function of time and position, question the relationships between derivatives, and explore the changes in quantities like the Euler-Lagrange equations and generalized momenta.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active with participants seeking clarification on the mathematical relationships involving G. Some have provided insights into the derivatives of G, while others are questioning the conditions under which certain mathematical operations can be performed.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on proving theoretical aspects of Lagrangian mechanics, with participants referencing specific equations and the nature of the gauge function. Some assumptions about the context of the problem are being examined, particularly regarding the definitions and relationships of the variables involved.

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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 [itex]L[/itex] and [itex]L'[/itex]?
 
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 [itex]G[/itex] is a function of [itex]q[/itex] and [itex]t[/itex], then you have:

[itex]\dot{G} = \frac{\partial G}{\partial q} \dot{q} + \frac{\partial G}{\partial t}[/itex]

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

If [itex]G[/itex] is a function of [itex]q[/itex] and [itex]t[/itex], then you have:

[itex]\dot{G} = \frac{\partial G}{\partial q} \dot{q} + \frac{\partial G}{\partial t}[/itex]

So in that case, [itex]\frac{\partial \dot{G}}{\partial \dot{q}} = \frac{\partial G}{\partial q}[/itex]

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

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 [itex]X(t,q)[/itex]of [itex]q[/itex] and [itex]t[/itex], then [itex]\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[/itex]

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

Similarly, [itex]\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}[/itex]
 
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