QM Weinberg Probl 9.1: Solving for Eq of Motion with Defined Lagrangian

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the equation of motion from a defined Lagrangian in the context of quantum mechanics, specifically referencing Weinberg's Problem 9.1. Participants are engaged in exploring the relationships between the Lagrangian, the equations of motion, and the implications of dimensionality on the definitions used.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of the equation of motion and express uncertainty regarding the terms involved, particularly the role of the function f(x). There are attempts to clarify the use of partial derivatives and the implications of dimensionality on the definitions of curl.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and corrections regarding the notation and mathematical expressions. Some guidance has been offered on the proper treatment of variables, but there is no explicit consensus on the clarity of the equations or the next steps in the problem-solving process.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential ambiguity in the dimensionality of the coordinates and the definitions of curl in higher dimensions, which may affect the interpretation of the problem. There is also mention of the need for a clearer problem statement for subsequent questions related to the Hamiltonian and Schrödinger equation.

Kyueong-Hwang
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Homework Statement



specific lagrangian is defined.
Have to get a equation of motion

Homework Equations


[/B]
Lagrangian is defined as

upload_2018-4-10_4-58-7.png




The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]

eq of motion that i drive like

upload_2018-4-10_5-1-15.png


i guess term of f(x) have to vanish or form a shape of curl.
but it didn't be clear.
May i did something wrong but i can't catch that...
 

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Hello Kyueong-Hwang, :welcome:

I find it hard to read what you write after | )
You want ##\partial {\mathcal L}\over \partial x_i## so I expect to see a ##\partial x_i## in the denominator, not ##\partial x_i \; f(\vec x)## ?

Time to learn some ##\LaTeX## (item 7 here) !
 
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$$ \frac {\partial \mathfrak {L}} {\partial x_i} =\frac {\partial \vec x} {\partial t} \cdot \partial x_i \vec f \left(\vec x \right) - \partial x_i V \left(\vec x \right)$$
$$ \frac {\partial} {\partial t} \left(\frac {\partial \mathfrak {L}} {\frac {\partial x_i} {\partial t}} \right)= m \ddot x_i + \vec \nabla f_i \left(\vec x \right) \cdot \frac {\partial \vec x} {\partial t}$$

I thought ##\LaTeX## is hard to do.
But its quite fun XD

so. with these eqs we can make euler-lagrangian, eq of motion.
I guess changing index i in ##x_i## to ##\vec x## yield that vanish or assemble terms of ##f \left(\vec x \right)##
 
Last edited:
if ##x_i## is a axis of 3-dim cartesian coordinate two ##f \left( \vec x \right)## terms yield ##\vec \nabla \times \vec f \left(\vec x \right)##
But there is no such statement assure that ##x_i## is 3-dim cartesian coordinate.

And someone in this forum site says in higher than 3 dimension curl is hard to define.
also on wiki only 3, 7 dimension define curl
 
$$\frac {\partial \mathfrak {L}} {\partial x_i} =\dot{ \vec x_i} {\partial f_i \left(\vec x \right)\over \partial x_i } - {\partial V \left(\vec x \right)\over \partial x_i }$$
don't write$$
\frac {\partial} {\partial t} \left(\frac {\partial \mathfrak {L}} {\frac {\partial x_i} {\partial t}} \right)$$for two reasons: 1. it is ##d\over dt##, not ##\partial\over \partial t##, and 2. this way you will mix up ##x_i## and ##\dot x_i## -- they should be treated as independent variables !

So $$
\frac {\partial \mathfrak {L}} {\partial \dot x_i} = m\dot x_i + \vec f_i(\vec x)$$
 
Kyueong-Hwang said:
if ##x_i## is a axis of 3-dim cartesian coordinate two ##f \left( \vec x \right)## terms yield ##\vec \nabla \times \vec f \left(\vec x \right)##
Curl doesn't appear here.
 
alright thanks
1, at latex q&a page i miss d notation so i use partial
2. \dot \vec x isn't work so i think x_i does too
 
ah
your right. my fault.

is there any way to make this eq more clear?
next question is to make hamiltonian and find Schrödinger eq.
It may should be more clear.
 
Kyueong-Hwang said:
is there any way to make this eq more clear?
Well, if ##\vec f(\vec x)## is time independent, you get ##m\ddot x = ... ##

Re Schr eq:
Please post a clear and complete problem description. For a different exercise, start a different thread.
 

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