Some doubts about determining experiments

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the correct experimental approach to check for homogeneity of space using a ball drop experiment. Participants explore different methods of conducting the experiment and their implications in the context of Lagrangian mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes two methods for the experiment: moving while dropping the ball (Way 1) versus dropping the ball from a higher height while remaining stationary (Way 2).
  • Another participant suggests that Way 2 checks for homogeneity in space y, while Way 1 checks for homogeneity in space z or x.
  • The first participant questions the validity of applying the Lagrangian approach to the ball drop when considering the shift in height, leading to uncertainty about whether Way 1 or Way 2 is correct.
  • There is a reference to a constant speed moving train example that is used to illustrate the concept of homogeneity in different frames.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which method is correct for checking homogeneity of space, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the Lagrangian mechanics in this context.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the initial conditions of the experiments and the implications of shifting the height of the drop, which are not fully resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in experimental physics, Lagrangian mechanics, and the concept of homogeneity in space may find this discussion relevant.

gionole
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Imagine experiment is such as I drop a ball from some height vertically only.

What’s the right way to do 2nd experiment in order to check homogeneity of space.

Way 1: I move a little bit and drop the ball (same height, it’s just I moved - ball as well, but not in terms of height)

Way 2: We stay at the same place, but we drop the ball from higher height.I remember there was a constant speed moving train example and we were checking homogeneity such as we were in the train frame, drop, then we moved further in the train and drop it again from the same height. If so, then way 1 must be correct(since the experiments must be done with the same initial conditions - initial location, initial speed).

What I don’t get now is Lagrangian case for which we do for homogeneity check. For the ball, we know Lagrangian would be: ##L(y) = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 - mgy##

Then we say ##L(y+a) = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 - mg(y+a)##

How is this valid ? We definitely shift the ball upper, while we said that way 1 was correct above. Does this mean Way 2 is correct ?
 
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We check
Way 2:homogeneity in space y
Way 1: homogeneity in space z or x.
 
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Likes   Reactions: gionole
All good. No need for further replies. Thanks.
 

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