How to determine what is conserved given a hamilitonian

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining conserved quantities from given Hamiltonians, specifically labeled H1 and H2. The relevant equations for this analysis are q' = dH/dp and p' = -dH/dq. The participants highlight the importance of correctly interpreting signs in the equations, noting that in the second problem, one of the \dot{P}_i must be positive, leading to a total momentum variation of zero. This indicates a critical understanding of Hamiltonian mechanics and conservation laws.

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Homework Statement


Given the Hamiltonian's determine what quantities are conserved. These are labeled H1 and H2 in the picture.

Homework Equations


The relevant equations are q'=dH/dp and p'=-dH/dq

The Attempt at a Solution


My attempt is below
upload_2015-10-9_0-25-53.png

ignore the negative sign for q' in H2
 
Last edited:
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Well, looks fine. But, in second problem, one of the [itex]\dot{P}_i[/itex] should be positive and so the total momentum variation will be zero.
 

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