Yet another Lagrangian problem. Motion in a cone

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a Lagrangian mechanics problem involving a particle sliding inside a frictionless cone. The participant seeks to derive the equations of motion and determine the frequency of circular motion and oscillations around a radius \( r_0 \). The Lagrangian is formulated as \( L=\frac{1}{2}m \left( \frac{\dot{r}^2}{\sin^2\alpha}+r^2 \dot{\theta}^2 \right)-\frac{mgr}{\tan\alpha} \), which incorporates the necessary variables, including the distance \( l \) along the cone's surface and the vertical component \( \dot{z} \). The participant expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their Lagrangian and seeks clarification on including all relevant terms.

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  • Familiarity with polar coordinates and angular motion
  • Knowledge of oscillatory motion and frequency analysis
  • Basic concepts of dynamics in constrained systems
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Xyius
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Man I hate to make two post in one day but I am really stuck!

Homework Statement


A particle slides on the inside surface if a frictionless cone. The cone is fixed with its tip on the ground and its axis vertical. The half angle of the tip is α. Let r be the distance from the particle to the axis, and let θ be the angle around the cone.

1. Find the equations of motion.
2. If the particle moves in a circle of radius r_0, what is the frequenct of this motion ω?
3. If the particle is perturbed slightly from the circular motion, what is the frequency of oscillations about the radius r_0?

Homework Equations


Lagrangian and Lagranges Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


If need be, I will draw a picture and upload it so the relations used are more obvious.
First thing is first, is my Lagrangian correct? (I made an image in MathType, its easier for me.)
[PLAIN]http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/9997/lag1.gif

I do not think this is correct because I am not getting oscillatory motion for theta when I solve!

EDIT: Oh! I forgot to mention! 'l' is the distance on the side of the cone from the point to where the particle is. I do not know how to include this in the lagrangian!
 
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Okay so I realized I didn't include \dot{z}! After including that, I have...
L=\frac{1}{2}m \left( \frac{\dot{r}^2}{sin^2σ}+r^2 \dot{θ}^2 \right)-\frac{mgr}{tanα}
 

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