Some doubts about determining experiments

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the correct method for conducting experiments to check the homogeneity of space using a ball drop scenario. Two methods are proposed: Way 1 involves moving slightly while dropping the ball from the same height, and Way 2 involves dropping the ball from a greater height while remaining stationary. The consensus is that Way 1 is valid as it maintains initial conditions, while the Lagrangian formulation suggests that both methods can be correct under different spatial considerations. The Lagrangian is defined as L(y) = (1/2) mv² - mgy, and its application in different frames is discussed.

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  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles, particularly homogeneity in space.
  • Familiarity with Lagrangian mechanics and its formulation.
  • Knowledge of kinematics, specifically the behavior of objects under gravity.
  • Experience with experimental design in physics, particularly in relation to initial conditions.
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  • Study the principles of Lagrangian mechanics in detail, focusing on the derivation of Lagrangians for various systems.
  • Explore the concept of homogeneity in physics and its implications for experimental design.
  • Investigate the effects of initial conditions on the outcomes of physical experiments.
  • Review case studies involving ball drop experiments to understand practical applications of these concepts.
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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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All good. No need for further replies. Thanks.
 

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