General Form of Canonical Transformations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the most general form of canonical transformations in Hamiltonian mechanics, specifically transformations defined by the equations Q = f(q) + g(p) and P = c[f(q) + h(p)], where f, g, and h are differential functions and c is a non-zero constant. The context involves generalized coordinates and conjugate momentum in both new and old systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the derived equation c.f'(q)[h'(p)-g'(p)]=1, suggesting that it must hold for all values of p and q. There is a suggestion to use partial differentiation with respect to q and p to derive further equations regarding the functions f and (h-g).

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the derived equation and attempting to clarify the relationships between the functions involved. There is an acknowledgment of uncertainty regarding the correctness of the approach taken by one participant, and a request for clearer presentation of additional information related to the problem.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions an attachment containing further details about the inverse of the canonical transformation, indicating that the original problem may involve additional complexity that is not fully articulated in the thread.

kolawoletech
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Homework Statement


How do I go about finding the most general form of the canonical transformation of the form
Q = f(q) + g(p)
P = c[f(q) + h(p)]
where f,g and h are differential functions and c is a constant not equal to zero. Where (Q,P) and (q,p) represent the generalised cordinates and conjugate momentum in the new and old system

Homework Equations


{Q,Q}={P,P}=0 {Q,P}=1

The Attempt at a Solution


I arrived at a function

c.f'(q)[h'(p)-g'(p)]=1

I don't know how to get further to prove canonicity
 
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kolawoletech said:
c.f'(q)[h'(p)-g'(p)]=1
There are two independent variables in this equation: p and q, and we require it to hold for all values of p and q. That should enable us to radically narrow down the possibilities for functions f, g and h.

Try partial differentiating both sides of the equation with respect to q to get one equation and then wrt p to get another.
What do those two equations tell you about the functions f and (h-g)?
 
I did that and got to "see the attachment"
But I am not so sure if I did it right
The rest of the question see solve the inverse of the canonical transformation: express q, p in terms of Q and P. The actual question is attached see attachment(it is the second question)
 

Attachments

  • IMG-20160412-WA0001.jpg
    IMG-20160412-WA0001.jpg
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  • HjIkBnu9.jpg
    HjIkBnu9.jpg
    25.9 KB · Views: 504
I'm sorry but that photo is way too hard to read. Try typing it in using latex. This post is a primer to get you started. If you're studying physics then any time spent learning latex is a very good investment.
 

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