Why is Mechanics Goldstein difficult to understand?

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    Goldstein Mechanics
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the difficulties participants face in understanding concepts presented in the mechanics textbook by Herbert Goldstein. The focus is on specific equations related to internal forces between particles and their derivation from potential energy, as well as the confusion surrounding the authorship of the textbook in question.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the equations for internal forces, specifically questioning the validity of the relationships \(\vec{F_{ij}}=\nabla_{i} V_{ij}\) and \(\vec{F_{ij}}=-\nabla_{j} V_{ij}\), suggesting that the potential energy's dependence on relative distances makes these equalities meaningless.
  • Several participants clarify the identity of the author, with some initially confusing Herbert Goldstein with Sheldon Goldstein, who is known for his work in quantum mechanics.
  • Another participant confirms that the original question pertains to Herbert Goldstein's mechanics textbook, indicating a common misunderstanding among the contributors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the understanding of the equations presented in Goldstein's textbook. There is also confusion regarding the authorship of the textbook, indicating a lack of agreement on the subject matter being discussed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding specific mathematical relationships and the potential for misattributing authorship, which may affect the clarity of the conversation.

pardesi
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i don't get this what he wrote...
the internal force [tex]\vec{F_{ij}}[/tex] between two particles is [tex]\vec{F_{ij}}=\nabla_{i} V_{ij}=\nabla_{ij} V_{ij}=-\nabla_{j} V_{ij}[/tex]
where the subscript below [tex]\nabla_{k}[/tex]implies the differentitaion with respect to components of [tex]\vec{r_{k}}[/tex]
i can't get how [tex]\vec{F_{ij}}=\nabla_{i} V_{ij} or \vec{F_{ij}}=-\nabla_{j} V_{ij}[/tex]
the potential energy is dependent on the relative distances between the particles hence there is no meaning to the above two equalities
 
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are we talking about Sheldon Goldstein?
 
Oh...

I was thinking about Sheldon Goldstein who deals with quantum mechanics. Sorry
 
nonlocal said:
Oh...

I was thinking about Sheldon Goldstein who deals with quantum mechanics. Sorry
Yes, you are thinking of Shelly Goldstein of Rutgers, the expert on Bohmian mechanics, not Herbert Goldstein, author of the classic textbook on classical mechanics.
 
oops sorry for the inconvinience that was Herbert Goldstein...


P.S:Starnge but i am not able to post with my opera 9.27(because the posting page doesn't load completely) though i am able to do so with FireFox 3 Beta 5...i use Ubuntu 8.04
 

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