How do I solve for the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in a spherical forcefield?

  • Thread starter Thread starter FichaG
  • Start date Start date
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
1 reply · 2K views
FichaG
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A particle of mass m moves in the forcefield whose potential in spherical coordinates is V= - (K cos θ)/r2
Whrite the Hamilton-Jacobi equation describing its motion.

Homework Equations


H=(pr2 / 2m)+ (pθ2 / 2mr2)+(pφ2 / 2mr2sin 2θ) + V

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know how to do it because it's the first exercise of its kind to I have to solve
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If kinetic energy is ##T(\dot{x}_i)## only and potential energy is ##V(x_i)## only, then:
$$ \frac{d\mathbf{p}_i}{dt} = -\frac{\partial{U}}{\partial{x}_i} $$
and think about what is the partial derivation on some direction. U is the potential energy.