Lagrangian: Does it Depend on the Zero of Potential?

[atavistic]

Homework Statement

There is a joint system of rods and masses.We need to set up Lagrangian.

Homework Equations

L= T-V , T = Kinetic energy , V = Potential energy

The Attempt at a Solution

Hey what should we take as the zero of potential. So does the Lagrangian depend on the zero of potential?

 

[gabbagabbahey]

You can take any point you like as the zero potential point...Your Lagrangian will of course depend on which point you choose, but since the equations of motion only involve derivatives of the Lagrangian ,and not the Lagrangian itself, the physics will be independent of your choice.