Is x a cyclic coordinate in the Hamilton-Jacobi equation for projectile motion?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
1 reply · 1K views
M. next
Messages
380
Reaction score
0
In Hamilton Jacobi Equation (Projectile in two dimentions [x,y]), Isn't it correct that x is a cyclical coordinate?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You could figure that out by considering what "cyclical coordinate" means, then examining your Hamiltonian with this in mind. Of course, you can anticipate the answer from the way that a coordinate becomes non-cyclical.

The quick answer is: depends.