Lagrangian and Euler-Lagrange equation question

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around the application of the Euler-Lagrange equations in a mechanics problem involving two masses, m1 and m2, and their respective coordinates θ and r. The user initially misapplied the θ equation, leading to confusion regarding the time dependence of the r² term. A participant clarified that from the equation m1 r² dot(θ) = k, a constant can be derived, which is crucial for solving the problem correctly. The user acknowledged the feedback and expressed intent to revisit the calculations.

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Sekonda
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Hey,

I'm having trouble with part (d) of the question displayed below:

tmst.png


I reckon I'm doing the θ Euler-Lagrange equation wrong, I get :

\frac{\mathrm{d} }{\mathrm{d} t}(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{\theta}})-\frac{\partial L}{\partial \theta}=\frac{\mathrm{d} }{\mathrm{d} t}(m_{1}r^{2}\dot{\theta})=0

and for the 'r' EL equation I get:

\frac{\mathrm{d} }{\mathrm{d} t}(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{r}})-\frac{\partial L}{\partial r}=m_{1}\ddot{r}+m_{2}\ddot{r}-m_{1}r\dot{\theta}^{2}-m_{2}g=0

In the theta equation I was originally just differentiating the theta with repsects to time, but the r^2 term also has a time dependence, I tried doing this and didn't know where to go from there... I'll have another go.

Any comments are appreciated,
Thanks,
SK
 
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From ##\frac{d}{dt} m_1 r^2 \dot\theta = 0## you can conclude that ##m_1 r^2 \dot\theta = k##.
 
Thanks

Thanks I'll go and try that and see where that leads me, I think I tried this before but was obviously doing something wrong as the force wasn't central in the end...

Cheers!
SK
 

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