I Lagrangian Equation with Generalized Force term

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the Lagrangian Equation in classical mechanics, specifically the distinction between basic and advanced formulations that include generalized forces. Generalized forces, denoted as Qi, encompass both conservative forces, like gravity and spring forces, and non-conservative forces, such as friction and air resistance. The total work done on a system is a combination of work from both types of forces, affecting kinetic and potential energy. Understanding generalized forces is crucial for accurately applying the Lagrangian framework, especially when non-conservative forces are present. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing these forces in the context of the Lagrangian Equation.
KT KIM
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
In basic level classical mechanics I've known so far
The Lagrangian Equation is
Like this
lag2.png


But in the little deeper references, they covers Lagrangian Equation is
Like this
Lag1.png


Qi is Generalized force, and Qi also contains frictions that's what reference says
But I still can't grasp.

What is the difference between these two equation, and What Is "Generalized Force" ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The generalized forces can be both conservative and non-conservative. The gravitational force of attraction, the buoyancy force, the spring force, the electric and magnetic forces (and electromagnetic time invariant forces) are conservative and they also have the potential function associated with the vector field \vec F : - \nabla \Phi = \vec F. The non-conservative are the forces that do not store the energy in the field. The examples of these forces are the friction force, the air resistance, the damping force, the viscous force, the drag force, the time-varying electromagnetic fields, etc. The total work done on a system will be W=W_{cons}+W_{non-cons} = KE_{f} - KE_{i} = -\delta PE. The generalized force can be found as: f_{i}=f_{cons}+f_{non-cons}. If you have already included the conservative forces in your Lagrangian expression, for example, you found the potentials of the given vector fields, your generalized forces will be the non-conservative forces.
 
  • Like
Likes KT KIM
Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field propagation'
Imagine a charged sphere at the origin connected through an open switch to a vertical grounded wire. We wish to find an expression for the horizontal component of the electric field at a distance ##\mathbf{r}## from the sphere as it discharges. By using the Lorenz gauge condition: $$\nabla \cdot \mathbf{A} + \frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial t}=0\tag{1}$$ we find the following retarded solutions to the Maxwell equations If we assume that...
Maxwell’s equations imply the following wave equation for the electric field $$\nabla^2\mathbf{E}-\frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial^2\mathbf{E}}{\partial t^2} = \frac{1}{\varepsilon_0}\nabla\rho+\mu_0\frac{\partial\mathbf J}{\partial t}.\tag{1}$$ I wonder if eqn.##(1)## can be split into the following transverse part $$\nabla^2\mathbf{E}_T-\frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial^2\mathbf{E}_T}{\partial t^2} = \mu_0\frac{\partial\mathbf{J}_T}{\partial t}\tag{2}$$ and longitudinal part...
Thread 'Recovering Hamilton's Equations from Poisson brackets'
The issue : Let me start by copying and pasting the relevant passage from the text, thanks to modern day methods of computing. The trouble is, in equation (4.79), it completely ignores the partial derivative of ##q_i## with respect to time, i.e. it puts ##\partial q_i/\partial t=0##. But ##q_i## is a dynamical variable of ##t##, or ##q_i(t)##. In the derivation of Hamilton's equations from the Hamiltonian, viz. ##H = p_i \dot q_i-L##, nowhere did we assume that ##\partial q_i/\partial...
Back
Top