Why can't phase space trajectories intersect?

madman143
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Why can't trajectories in phase space intersect?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Initial conditions uniquely define the trajectory in phase space (by virtue of Hamilton's equation). If two trajectories intersected, the point of intersection could be chosen as an initial condition which wouldn't have unique evolution in phase space, contratry to Hamilton's equation.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K