Solving Constants of Motion for Particle in 3D - No Quotes

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a particle of mass m moving in three dimensions under a conservative force, with a focus on deriving the Hamiltonian function and identifying constants of motion using spherical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the Hamiltonian and identify constants of motion, specifically questioning how to approach the remaining parts of the problem. Participants suggest using the Poisson bracket as a method for identifying constants of motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring hints and methods related to the identification of constants of motion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of Poisson brackets, but no consensus has been reached on the complete approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of homework rules and the need for conceptual understanding without providing direct solutions.

abeen
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[SOLVED] Constants Of Motion

A Particle of mass m moves in three dimensions under the action of a conservative force with potential energy V(r).Using the sperical coordinates r, [tex]\theta[/tex],[tex]\phi[/tex], obtain the hamiltonian function for the system.
Show that [tex]P_{\phi}[/tex] , [tex]\frac{P^{2}_{r}}{2m}[/tex] + [tex]\frac{P^{2}_{\phi}}{2mr^{2}sin^{2}\theta}[/tex] + V(r) and [tex]P^{2}_{\theta}[/tex] + [tex]\frac{P^{2}_{\phi}}{sin^{2}\theta}[/tex] are constants of motion.

I found the hamiltonian, H = [tex]\frac{P^{2}_{r}}{2m}[/tex] + [tex]\frac{P^{2}_{\theta}}{2mr^{2}}[/tex] + [tex]\frac{P^{2}_{\phi}}{2mr^{2}sin^{2}\theta}[/tex] + V(r).


Since [tex]\phi[/tex] is cyclic we have [tex]P_{\phi}^{'}[/tex]=0 or [tex]P_{\phi}[/tex] is a constant of motion. I don't have much idea about the rest. Do u people have any suggestions? Thanks in advance..
 
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Hi, abeen,

Welcome to PF.

From the way you phrased your questions, it sounds like you are seeking advice for how to attack a homework problem. If so, there's a special forum at PF for that (look up above for the "sticky"). If not, we can help you right here.
 
abeen said:
. I don't have much idea about the rest. Do u people have any suggestions? Thanks in advance..

Hint: Poisson bracket
 
siddharth said:
Hint: Poisson bracket

Thanks.Can you please give me a brief account of the methods for identifying a constant of motion.
 
abeen said:
Thanks.Can you please give me a brief account of the methods for identifying a constant of motion.

That was the hint. If F(p,q) is a constant of motion and H is the hamiltonian, what can you conclude about {H,F} ?
 

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