Can a Lagrangian be written for a simple RC or RL circuit?

AI Thread Summary
A Lagrangian can indeed be formulated for simple RC and RL circuits by using the charge q(t) as the unknown function. The standard Lagrangian equation, L = kinetic energy - potential energy, can be adapted to these circuits. A referenced resource provides further insights into this formulation. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding how to apply Lagrangian mechanics to electrical circuits. Further study of the provided material is encouraged for deeper comprehension.
softport
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Hello,
is it possible to write a Lagrangian (L) for a simple RC (or RL) circuit?

Normally L = kinetic - potential energy, but how would you write
this for an RC circuit?

thanks!
 
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You'd use the charge q(t) at some point in the circuit, as the unknown function in the Lagrangian fomulation. This turned up after searching for "rcl circuit lagrangian" on google:

http://www.phys.ttu.edu/~huang24/Teaching/Phys5306/CH2C.pdf"
 
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Thanks torquil, I didn't find this on my searches. I'll study it
and post back.

regards
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks

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