Goldstein Classical Mechanics Notes: 1 Chapter 1: Elementary Principles

Goldstein Classical Mechanics Notes
Michael Good
May 30, 2004
1 Chapter 1: Elementary Principles

1.1 Mechanics of a Single Particle
Classical mechanics incorporates special relativity. ‘Classical’ refers to the con-
tradistinction to ‘quantum’ mechanics.
Velocity:
dr
v= .
dt
Linear momentum:
p = mv.
Force:
dp
F= .
dt
In most cases, mass is constant and force is simplified:
d dv
F= (mv) = m = ma.
dt dt
Acceleration:
d2 r
a= .
dt2
Newton’s second law of motion holds in a reference frame that is inertial or
Galilean.
Angular Momentum:
L = r × p.
Torque:
T = r × F.
Torque is the time derivative of angular momentum:
1
dL
T= .
dt
Work:
Z 2
W12 = F · dr.
1
In most cases, mass is constant and work simplifies to:
Z 2 Z 2 Z 2
dv dv
W12 = m · vdt = m v· dt = m v · dv
1 dt 1 dt 1
m
W12 = (v22 − v12 ) = T2 − T1
2
Kinetic Energy:
mv 2
T =
2
The work is the change in kinetic energy.
A force is considered conservative if the work is the same for any physically
possible path. Independence of W12 on the particular path implies that the
work done around a closed ciruit is zero:
I
F · dr = 0
If friction is present, a system is non-conservative.
Potential Energy:
F = −∇V (r).
The capacity to do work that a body or system has by viture of is position
is called its potential energy. V above is the potential energy. To express work
in a way that is independent of the path taken, a change in a quantity that
depends on only the end points is needed. This quantity is potential energy.
Work is now V1 − V2 . The change is -V.
Energy Conservation Theorem for a Particle: If forces acting on a particle

are conservative, then the total energy of the particle, T + V, is conserved.
The Conservation Theorem for the Linear Momentum of a Particle states

that linear momentum, p, is conserved if the total force F, is zero.
The Conservation Theorem for the Angular Momentum of a Particle states

that angular momentum, L, is conserved if the total torque T, is zero.
2
1.2 Mechanics of Many Particles
Newton’s third law of motion, equal and opposite forces, does not hold for all
forces. It is called the weak law of action and reaction.
Center of mass:
P P
mi ri mi ri
R= P = .
mi M
Center of mass moves as if the total external force were acting on the entire
mass of the system concentrated at the center of mass. Internal forces that obey
Newton’s third law, have no effect on the motion of the center of mass.
d2 R X (e)
F(e) ≡ M = Fi .
dt2 i
Motion of center of mass is unaffected. This is how rockets work in space.
Total linear momentum:

X dri dR
P= mi =M .
i
dt dt
Conservation Theorem for the Linear Momentum of a System of Particles:
If the total external force is zero, the total linear momentum is conserved.
The strong law of action and reaction is the condition that the internal forces
between two particles, in addition to being equal and opposite, also lie along
the line joining the particles. Then the time derivative of angular momentum
is the total external torque:
dL
= N(e) .
dt
Torque is also called the moment of the external force about the given point.
Conservation Theorem for Total Angular Momentum: L is constant in time

if the applied torque is zero.
Linear Momentum Conservation requires weak law of action and reaction.
Angular Momentum Conservation requires strong law of action and reaction.
Total Angular Momentum:

X X
L= ri × pi = R × M v + r0i × p0i .
i i
3
Total angular momentum about a point O is the angular momentum of mo-
tion concentrated at the center of mass, plus the angular momentum of motion
about the center of mass. If the center of mass is at rest wrt the origin then the
angular momentum is independent of the point of reference.
Total Work:
W12 = T2 − T1
1
mi vi2 .
P
where T is the total kinetic energy of the system: T = 2 i
Total kinetic energy:
1X 1 1X
T = mi vi2 = M v 2 + mi vi02 .
2 i 2 2 i
Kinetic energy, like angular momentum, has two parts: the K.E. obtained if
all the mass were concentrated at the center of mass, plus the K.E. of motion
about the center of mass.
Total potential energy:

X 1X
V = Vi + Vij .
i
2 i,j
i6=j
If the external and internal forces are both derivable from potentials it is
possible to define a total potential energy such that the total energy T + V is
conserved.
The term on the right is called the internal potential energy. For rigid bodies
the internal potential energy will be constant. For a rigid body the internal
forces do no work and the internal potential energy remains constant.
1.3 Constraints
• holonomic constraints: think rigid body, think f (r1 , r2 , r3 , ..., t) = 0, think
a particle constrained to move along any curve or on a given surface.
• nonholonomic constraints: think walls of a gas container, think particle
placed on surface of a sphere because it will eventually slide down part of
the way but will fall off, not moving along the curve of the sphere.
1. rheonomous constraints: time is an explicit variable...example: bead on

moving wire
2. scleronomous constraints: equations of contraint are NOT explicitly de-
pendent on time...example: bead on rigid curved wire fixed in space
Difficulties with constraints:
4
1. Equations of motion are not all independent, because coordinates are no
longer all independent
2. Forces are not known beforehand, and must be obtained from solution.
For holonomic constraints introduce generalized coordinates. Degrees of

freedom are reduced. Use independent variables, eliminate dependent coordi-
nates. This is called a transformation, going from one set of dependent variables
to another set of independent variables. Generalized coordinates are worthwhile
in problems even without constraints.
Examples of generalized coordinates:
1. Two angles expressing position on the sphere that a particle is constrained

to move on.
2. Two angles for a double pendulum moving in a plane.
3. Amplitudes in a Fourier expansion of rj .
4. Quanities with with dimensions of energy or angular momentum.
For nonholonomic constraints equations expressing the constraint cannot be

used to eliminate the dependent coordinates. Nonholonomic constraints are
HARDER TO SOLVE.
1.4 D’Alembert’s Principle and Lagrange’s Equations

Developed by D’Alembert, and thought of first by Bernoulli, the principle that:
X (a) dpi
(Fi − ) · δri = 0
i
dt
This is valid for systems which virtual work of the forces of constraint van-
ishes, like rigid body systems, and no friction systems. This is the only restric-
tion on the nature of the constraints: workless in a virtual displacement. This
is again D’Alembert’s principle for the motion of a system, and what is good
about it is that the forces of constraint are not there. This is great news, but it
is not yet in a form that is useful for deriving equations of motion. Transform
this equation into an expression involving virtual displacements of the gener-
alized coordinates. The generalized coordinates are independent of each other
for holonomic constraints. Once we have the expression in terms of generalized
coordinates the coefficients of the δqi can be set separately equal to zero. The
result is:
X d ∂T ∂T
{[ ( )− ] − Qj }δqj = 0
dt ∂ q̇j ∂qj
5
Lagrange’s Equations come from this principle. If you remember the indi-
vidual coefficients vanish, and allow the forces derivable from a scaler potential
function, and forgive me for skipping some steps, the result is:
d ∂L ∂L
( )− =0
dt ∂ q̇j ∂qj
1.5 Velocity-Dependent Potentials and The Dissipation

Function
The velocity dependent potential is important for the electromagnetic forces on
moving charges, the electromagnetic field.
L=T −U
where U is the generalized potential or velocity-dependent potential.
For a charge mvoing in an electric and magnetic field, the Lorentz force
dictates:
F = q[E + (v × B)].
The equation of motion can be dervied for the x-dirction, and notice they
are identical component wise:
mẍ = q[Ex + (v × B)x ].

If frictional forces are present(not all the forces acting on the system are
derivable from a potential), Lagrange’s equations can always be written:
d ∂L ∂L
( )− = Qj .
dt ∂ q̇j ∂qj
where Qj represents the forces not arising from a potential, and L contains
the potential of the conservative forces as before.
Friction is commonly,
Ff x = −kx vx .
Rayleigh’s dissipation function:
1X 2 2 2
Fdis = (kx vix + ky viy + kz viz ).
2 i
The total frictional force is:
Ff = −∇v Fdis
Work done by system against friction:
dWf = −2Fdis dt
6
The rate of energy dissipation due to friction is 2Fdis and the component of
the generalized force resulting from the force of friction is:
∂Fdis
Qj = − .
∂ q̇j
In use, both L and Fdis must be specified to obtain the equations of motion:
d ∂L ∂L ∂Fdis
( )− =− .
dt ∂ q̇j ∂qj ∂ q̇j
1.6 Applications of the Lagrangian Formulation

The Lagrangian method allows us to eliminate the forces of constraint from the
equations of motion. Scalar functions T and V are much easier to deal with
instead of vector forces and accelerations.
Procedure:
1. Write T and V in generalized coordinates.
2. Form L from them.
3. Put L into Lagrange’s Equations
4. Solve for the equations of motion.
Simple examples are:
1. a single particle is space(Cartesian coordinates, Plane polar coordinates)
2. atwood’s machine
3. a bead sliding on a rotating wire(time-dependent constraint).
Forces of contstraint, do not appear in the Lagrangian formulation. They
also cannot be directly derived.
7
Goldstein Chapter 1 Derivations
Michael Good
June 27, 2004
1 Derivations
1. Show that for a single particle with constant mass the equation of motion
implies the follwing differential equation for the kinetic energy:
dT
=F·v
dt
while if the mass varies with time the corresponding equation is
d(mT )
= F · p.
dt
Answer:
dT d( 1 mv 2 )
= 2 = mv · v̇ = ma · v = F · v
dt dt
with time variable mass,
d(mT ) d p2
= ( ) = p · ṗ = F · p.
dt dt 2
2. Prove that the magnitude R of the position vector for the center of mass from
an arbitrary origin is given by the equation:
X 1X
M 2 R2 = M mi ri2 − 2
mi mj rij .
i
2 i,j
Answer:
X
MR = mi ri
1
X
M 2 R2 = mi mj ri · rj
i,j
Solving for ri · rj realize that rij = ri − rj . Square ri − rj and you get

2
rij = ri2 − 2ri · rj + rj2
Plug in for ri · rj
1 2
ri · rj =(r + rj2 − rij
2
)
2 i
1X 1X 1X
M 2 R2 = mi mj ri2 + mi mj rj2 − 2
mi mj rij
2 i,j 2 i,j 2 i,j
1 X 1 X 1X
M 2 R2 = M mi ri2 + M mj rj2 − 2
mi mj rij
2 i
2 j
2 i,j
X 1X
M 2 R2 = M mi ri2 − 2
mi mj rij
i
2 i,j
3. Suppose a system of two particles is known to obey the equations of mo-

tions,
d2 R X (e)
M 2 = Fi ≡ F(e)
dt i
dL
= N(e)
dt
From the equations of the motion of the individual particles show that the in-
ternal forces between particles satisfy both the weak and the strong laws of ac-
tion and reaction. The argument may be generalized to a system with arbitrary
number of particles, thus proving the converse of the arguments leading to the
equations above.
Answer:
First, if the particles satisfy the strong law of action and reaction then they
will automatically satisfy the weak law. The weak law demands that only the
forces be equal and opposite. The strong law demands they be equal and oppo-
site and lie along the line joining the particles. The first equation of motion tells
us that internal forces have no effect. The equations governing the individual
particles are
(e)
ṗ1 = F1 + F21
(e)
ṗ2 = F2 + F12
2
Assuming the equation of motion to be true, then
(e) (e)
ṗ1 + ṗ2 = F1 + F21 + F2 + F12
must give
F12 + F21 = 0
Thus F12 = −F21 and they are equal and opposite and satisfy the weak law
of action and reaction. If the particles obey
dL
= N(e)
dt
then the time rate of change of the total angular momentum is only equal to
the total external torque; that is, the internal torque contribution is null. For
two particles, the internal torque contribution is
r1 × F21 + r2 × F12 = r1 × F21 + r2 × (−F21 ) = (r1 − r2 ) × F21 = r12 × F21 = 0
Now the only way for r12 × F21 to equal zero is for both r12 and F21 to lie
on the line joining the two particles, so that the angle between them is zero, ie
the magnitude of their cross product is zero.
A × B = ABsinθ
4. The equations of constraint for the rolling disk,
dx − a sin θdψ = 0
dy + a cos θdψ = 0
are special cases of general linear differential equations of constraint of the form
n
X
gi (x1 , . . . , xn )dxi = 0.
i=1
A constraint condition of this type is holonomic only if an integrating function

f (x1 , . . . , xn ) can be found that turns it into an exact differential. Clearly the
function must be such that
∂(f gi ) ∂(f gj )
=
∂xj ∂xi
for all i 6= j. Show that no such integrating factor can be found for either of the
equations of constraint for the rolling disk.
Answer:
3
First attempt to find the integrating factor for the first equation. Note it is
in the form:
P dx + Qdφ + W dθ = 0
where P is 1, Q is −a sin θ and W is 0. The equations that are equivalent to
∂(f gi ) ∂(f gj )
=
∂xj ∂xi
are
∂(f P ) ∂(f Q)
=
∂φ ∂x
∂(f P ) ∂(f W )
=
∂θ ∂x
∂(f Q) ∂(f W )
=
∂θ ∂φ
These are explicitly:
∂(f ) ∂(−f a sin θ)

=
∂φ ∂x
∂(f )
=0
∂θ
∂(−f a sin θ)
=0
∂θ
Simplfying the last two equations yields:
f cos θ = 0
Since y is not even in this first equation, the integrating factor does not
depend on y and because of ∂f
∂θ = 0 it does not depend on θ either. Thus
f = f (x, φ)
The only way for f to satisfy this equation is if f is constant and thus appar-
ently there is no integrating function to make these equations exact. Performing
the same procedure on the second equation you can find
∂(f a cos θ) ∂f
=
∂y ∂φ
∂f ∂f
a cos θ =
∂y ∂φ
and
f sin θ = 0
4
∂f
=0
∂θ
leading to
f = f (y, φ)
and making it impossible for f to satsify the equations unless as a constant. If
this question was confusing to you, it was confusing to me too. Mary Boas says
it is ‘not usually worth while to spend much time searching for an integrating
factor’ anyways. That makes me feel better.
5. Two wheels of radius a are mounted on the ends of a common axle of length
b such that the wheels rotate independently. The whole combination rolls with-
out slipping on a palne. Show that there are two nonholonomic equations of
constraint,
cos θdx + sin θdy = 0
1
sin θdx − cos θdy = a(dφ + dφ0 )
2
(where θ,φ, and φ0 have meanings similar to those in the problem of a single
vertical disk, and (x,y) are the corrdinates of a point on the axle midway between
the two wheels) and one holonomic equation of constraint,
a
θ = C − (φ − φ0 )
b
where C is a constant.
Answer:
The trick to this problem is carefully looking at the angles and getting the
signs right. I think the fastest way to solve this is to follow the same procedure
that was used for the single disk in the book, that is, find the speed of the
disk, find the point of contact, and take the derivative of the x component,
and y component of position, and solve for the equations of motion. Here the
steps are taken a bit further because a holonomic relationship can be found that
relates θ, φ and φ0 . Once you have the equations of motion, from there its just
slightly tricky algebra. Here goes:
We have two speeds, one for each disk
v 0 = aφ̇0
v = aφ̇
and two contact points,
b b
(x ± cos θ, y ± sin θ)
2 2
5
The contact points come from the length of the axis being b as well as x and
y being the center of the axis. The components of the distance are cos and sin
for x and y repectively.
So now that we’ve found the speeds, and the points of contact, we want to
take the derivatives of the x and y parts of their contact positions. This will
give us the components of the velocity. Make sure you get the angles right, they
were tricky for me.
d b
(x + cos θ) = vx
dt 2
b
ẋ − sin θθ̇ = v cos(180 − θ − 90) = v cos(90 − θ) = v cos(−90 + θ) = v sin θ
2
b
ẋ − sin θθ̇ = aφ̇ sin θ
2
Do this for the next one, and get:
b
sin θθ̇ = aφ̇0 sin θ
ẋ +
2
The plus sign is there because of the derivative of cos multiplied with the
negative for the primed wheel distance from the center of the axis. For the y
parts:
d b
(y + sin θ) = vy
dt 2
b
ẏ + cos θθ̇ = −v cos θ = −aφ̇ cos θ
2
It is negative because I decided to have axis in the first quadrent heading
south-east. I also have the primed wheel south-west of the non-primed wheel.
A picture would help, but I can’t do that on latex yet. So just think about it.
Do it for the next one and get:
b
ẏ − cos θθ̇ = −aφ̇0 cos θ
2
All of the derivatives together so you aren’t confused what I just did:
b
ẋ − sin θθ̇ = aφ̇ sin θ
2
b
ẋ +sin θθ̇ = aφ̇0 sin θ
2
b
ẏ + cos θθ̇ = −aφ̇ cos θ
2
b
ẏ − cos θθ̇ = −aφ̇0 cos θ
2
Now simplify them by cancelling the dt0 s and leaving the x and y’s on one side:
6
b
dx = sin θ[ dθ + adφ] (1)
2
b
dx = sin θ[− dθ + adφ0 ] (2)
2
b
dy = − cos θ[ dθ + adφ] (3)
2
b
dy = − cos θ[− dθ + adφ0 ] (4)
2
Now we are done with the physics. The rest is manipulation of these equa-
tions of motion to come up with the constraints. For the holonomic equation
use (1)-(2).
(1) − (2) = 0 = bdθ + a(dφ − dφ0 )

a
dθ = − (dφ − dφ0 )
b
a
θ = − (φ − φ0 ) + C
b
For the other two equations, I started with
b b
(1) cos θ + (3) sin θ = cos θ sin θ[ dθ + adφ] − sin θ cos θ[ dθ + adφ]
2 2
cos θdx + sin θdy = 0
and
(1) + (2) = 2dx = sin θa[dφ + dφ0 ]

(3) + (4) = 2dy = − cos θa[dφ + dφ0 ]
multiply dy by − cos θ and multiply dx by sin θ to yield yourself
a
− cos θdy = cos2 θ [dφ + dφ0 ]
2
2 a
sin θdx = sin θ [dφ + dφ0 ]
2
Add them together and presto!
a
sin θdx − cos θdy = [dφ + dφ0 ]
2
6. A particle moves in the xy plane under the constraint that its velocity vector
is always directed towards a point on the x axis whose abscissa is some given
function of time f (t). Show that for f (t) differentiable, but otherwise arbitrary,
7
the constraint is nonholonomic.
Answer:
The abscissa is the x-axis distance from the origin to the point on the x-axis
that the velocity vector is aimed at. It has the distance f (t).
I claim that the ratio of the velocity vector components must be equal to
the ratio of the vector components of the vector that connects the particle to
the point on the x-axis. The directions are the same. The velocity vector
components are:
dy
vy =
dt
dx
vx =
dt
The vector components of the vector that connects the particle to the point
on the x-axis are:
Vy = y(t)
Vx = x(t) − f (t)
For these to be the same, then
vy Vy
=
vx Vx
dy y(t)
=
dx x(t) − f (t)
dy dx
=
y(t) x(t) − f (t)
This cannot be integrated with f (t) being arbituary. Thus the constraint is
nonholonomic. It’s nice to write the constraint in this way because it’s frequently
the type of setup Goldstein has:
ydx + (f (t) − x)dy = 0

There can be no integrating factor for this equation.
7. The Lagrangian equations can be written in the form of the Nielsen’s equa-
tions.
∂ Ṫ ∂T
−2 =Q
∂ q̇ ∂q
Show this.
8
Answer:
I’m going to set the two forms equal and see if they match. That will show
that they can be written as displayed above.
Lagrangian Form = Nielsen’s Form
d ∂T ∂T ∂ Ṫ ∂T
( )− = −2
dt ∂ q̇ ∂q ∂ q̇ ∂q
d ∂T ∂T ∂ Ṫ
( )+ = (5)
dt ∂ q̇ ∂q ∂ q̇
∂ Ṫ
What is ∂ q̇ you may ask? Well, lets solve for Ṫ first.
d
Ṫ ≡ T (q, q̇, t)
dt
d
Because dt is a full derivative, you must not forget the chain rule.
d ∂T ∂T ∂T
Ṫ ≡ T (q, q̇, t) = + q̇ + q̈
dt ∂t ∂q ∂ q̇
∂ Ṫ
Now lets solve for ∂ q̇ , not forgetting the product rule
∂ Ṫ ∂ ∂T ∂T ∂T
= [ + q̇ + q̈]
∂ q̇ ∂ q̇ ∂t ∂q ∂ q̇
∂ Ṫ ∂ ∂T ∂ ∂T ∂T ∂ q̇ ∂ ∂T
= + q̇ + + q̈
∂ q̇ ∂ q̇ ∂t ∂ q̇ ∂q ∂q ∂ q̇ ∂ q̇ ∂ q̇
∂ Ṫ ∂ ∂T ∂ ∂T ∂T ∂ ∂T
= + q̇ + + ( )q̈
∂ q̇ ∂t ∂ q̇ ∂q ∂ q̇ ∂q ∂ q̇ ∂ q̇
∂ Ṫ
Now we have ∂ q̇ , so lets plug this into equation (5).
d ∂T ∂T ∂ ∂T ∂ ∂T ∂T ∂ ∂T
( )+ = + q̇ + + ( )q̈
dt ∂ q̇ ∂q ∂t ∂ q̇ ∂q ∂ q̇ ∂q ∂ q̇ ∂ q̇
d ∂T ∂ ∂T ∂ ∂T ∂ ∂T
( )= + q̇ + ( )q̈
dt ∂ q̇ ∂t ∂ q̇ ∂q ∂ q̇ ∂ q̇ ∂ q̇
Notice that this is indeed true.
d ∂T ∂ ∂T ∂ ∂T ∂ ∂T
( )= ( )+ ( )q̇ + ( )q̈
dt ∂ q̇ ∂t ∂ q̇ ∂q ∂ q̇ ∂ q̇ ∂ q̇
because T = T (q, q̇, t).
9
If L is a Lagrangian for a system of n degrees of freedom satisfying Lagrange’s
equations, show by direct substitution that
dF (q1 , ..., qn , t)
L0 = L +
dt
also satisfies Lagrange’s equations where F is any arbitrary, but differentiable,
function of its arguments.
Answer:
Let’s directly substitute L0 into Lagrange’s equations.
d ∂L0 ∂L0
− =0
dt ∂ q̇ ∂q
d ∂ dF ∂ dF
(L + )− (L + )=0
dt ∂ q̇ dt ∂q dt
d ∂L ∂ dF ∂L ∂ dF
[ + ]− − =0
dt ∂ q̇ ∂ q̇ dt ∂q ∂q dt
d ∂L ∂L d ∂ dF ∂ dF
− + − =0
dt ∂ q̇ ∂q dt ∂ q̇ dt ∂q dt
On the left we recognized Lagrange’s equations, which we know equal zero.
Now to show the terms with F vanish.
d ∂ dF ∂ dF
− =0
d ∂ Ḟ ∂ Ḟ
=
dt ∂ q̇ ∂q
This is shown to be true because
∂ Ḟ ∂F
=
∂ q̇ ∂q
We have
d ∂ Ḟ d ∂F
=
dt ∂ q̇ dt ∂q
∂ ∂F ∂ ∂F
= + q̇
∂t ∂q ∂q ∂q
∂ ∂F ∂F ∂ Ḟ
= [ + q̇] =
∂q ∂t ∂q ∂q
10
Thus as Goldstein reminded us, L = T − V is a suitable Lagrangian, but it
is not the only Lagrangian for a given system.
9. The electromagnetic field is invariant under a gauge transformation of the

scalar and vector potential given by
A → A + ∇ψ(r, t)
1 ∂ψ
φ→φ−
c ∂t
where ψ is arbitrary (but differentiable). What effect does this gauge trans-
formation have on the Lagrangian of a particle moving in the electromagnetic
field? Is the motion affected?
Answer:
1 q
L= mv 2 − qφ + A · v
2 c
Upon the gauge transformation:
1 1 ∂ψ q
L0 = mv 2 − q[φ − ] + [A + ∇ψ(r, t)] · v
2 c ∂t c
1 q q ∂ψ q
L0 = mv 2 − qφ + A · v + + ∇ψ(r, t) · v
2 c c ∂t c
q ∂ψ
L0 = L + [ + ∇ψ(r, t) · v]
c ∂t
q
L0 = L + [ψ̇]
c
In the previous problem it was shown that:
d ∂ ψ̇ ∂ ψ̇
=
dt ∂ q̇ ∂q
For ψ differentiable but arbitrary. This is all that you need to show that the
Lagrangian is changed but the motion is not. This problem is now in the same
form as before:
dF (q1 , ..., qn , t)
L0 = L +
dt
And if you understood the previous problem, you’ll know why there is no
effect on the motion of the particle( i.e. there are many Lagrangians that may
describe the motion of a system, there is no unique Lagrangian).
10. Let q1 , ..., qn be a set of independent generalized coordinates for a system
11
of n degrees of freedom, with a Lagrangian L(q, q̇, t). Suppose we transform
to another set of independent coordinates s1 , ..., sn by means of transformation
equations
qi = qi (s1 , ..., sn , t), i = 1, ..., n.

(Such a transformatin is called a point transformation.) Show that if the
Lagrangian function is expressed as a function of sj , ṡj and t through the equa-
tion of transformation, then L satisfies Lagrange’s equations with respect to the
s coordinates
d ∂L ∂L
− =0
dt ∂ ṡj ∂sj
In other words, the form of Lagrange’s equations is invariant under a point
transformation.
Answer:
We know:
d ∂L ∂L
− =0
dt ∂ q̇i ∂qi
and we want to prove:
d ∂L ∂L
− =0
dt ∂ ṡj ∂sj
If we put ∂∂L ∂L
ṡj and ∂sj in terms of the q coordinates, then they can be
substitued back in and shown to still satisfy Lagrange’s equations.
∂L X ∂L ∂qi
=
∂sj i
∂qi ∂sj
∂L X ∂L ∂ q̇i
=
∂ ṡj i
∂ q̇i ∂ ṡj
We know:
∂qi ∂ q̇i
=
∂sj ∂ ṡj
Thus,
∂L X ∂L ∂qi
=
∂ ṡj i
∂ q̇i ∂sj
∂L ∂L
Plug ∂ ṡj and ∂sj into the Lagrangian equation and see if they satisfy it:
d X ∂L ∂qi X ∂L ∂qi
[ ]−[ ]=0
dt i ∂ q̇i ∂sj i
∂qi ∂sj
12
∂qi
Pulling out the summation to the right and ∂sj to the left, we are left with:
X d ∂L ∂L ∂qi
[ − ] =0
i
dt ∂ q̇i ∂qi ∂sj
This shows that Lagrangian’s equations are invariant under a point trans-
formation.
13
Goldstein Chapter 1 Exercises
Michael Good
July 17, 2004
1 Exercises
11. Consider a uniform thin disk that rolls without slipping on a horizontal
plane. A horizontal force is applied to the center of the disk and in a direction
parallel to the plane of the disk.
• Derive Lagrange’s equations and find the generalized force.
• Discuss the motion if the force is not applied parallel to the plane of the
disk.
Answer:
To find Lagrangian’s equations, we need to first find the Lagrangian.
L=T −V
1 1
T = mv 2 = m(rω)2 V =0
2 2
Therefore
1
L= m(rω)2
2
Plug into the Lagrange equations:
d ∂L ∂L
− =Q
dt ∂ ẋ ∂x
d ∂ 12 mr2 ω 2 ∂ 1 mr2 ω 2
− 2 =Q
dt ∂(rω) ∂x
d
m(rω) = Q
dt
m(rω̈) = Q
1
If the motion is not applied parallel to the plane of the disk, then there
might be some slipping, or another generalized coordinate would have to be
introduced, such as θ to describe the y-axis motion. The velocity of the disk
would not just be in the x-direction as it is here.
12. The escape velocity of a particle on Earth is the minimum velocity re-
quired at Earth’s surface in order that that particle can escape from Earth’s
gravitational field. Neglecting the resistance of the atmosphere, the system is
conservative. From the conservation theorme for potential plus kinetic energy
show that the escape veolcity for Earth, ingnoring the presence of the Moon, is
11.2 km/s.
Answer:
GM m 1
= mv 2
r 2
GM 1
= v2
r 2
Lets plug in the numbers to this simple problem:
(6.67 × 10−11 ) · (6 × 1024 ) 1

= v2
(6 × 106 ) 2
This gives v = 1.118 × 104 m/s which is 11.2 km/s.
13. Rockets are propelled by the momentum reaction of the exhaust gases
expelled from the tail. Since these gases arise from the raction of the fuels carried
in the rocket, the mass of the rocket is not constant, but decreases as the fuel
is expended. Show that the equation of motion for a rocket projected vertically
upward in a uniform gravitational field, neglecting atmospheric friction, is:
dv dm
m = −v 0 − mg
dt dt
where m is the mass of the rocket and v’ is the velocity of the escaping gases
relative to the rocket. Integrate this equation to obtain v as a function of m,
assuming a constant time rate of loss of mass. Show, for a rocket starting initally
from rest, with v’ equal to 2.1 km/s and a mass loss per second equal to 1/60th
of the intial mass, that in order to reach the escape velocity the ratio of the
wight of the fuel to the weight of the empty rocket must be almost 300!
Answer:
This problem can be tricky if you’re not very careful with the notation. But
here is the best way to do it. Defining me equal to the empty rocket mass,
mf is the total fuel mass, m0 is the intitial rocket mass, that is, me + mf , and
dm m0
dt = − 60 as the loss rate of mass, and finally the goal is to find the ratio of
2
mf /me to be about 300.
The total force is just ma, as in Newton’s second law. The total force on
the rocket will be equal to the force due to the gas escaping minus the weight
of the rocket:
d
ma = [−mv 0 ] − mg
dt
dv dm
m = −v 0 − mg
dt dt
The rate of lost mass is negative. The velocity is in the negative direction,
so, with the two negative signs the term becomes positive.
Use this:
dv dm dv
=
dm dt dt
Solve:
dv dm dm
m = −v 0 − mg
dm dt dt
dv dm v 0 dm
=− −g
dm dt m dt
dv v0 60g
=− +
dm m m0
Notice that the two negative signs cancelled out to give us a positive far
right term.
v0 60g
dv = − dm + dm
m m0
Integrating,
Z Z me Z me
0 dm 60g
dv = −v + dm
m0 m m0 m0
me 60g
v = −v 0 ln + (me − m0 )
m0 m0
me me − me − mf
v = −v 0 ln + 60g
me + mf me + mf
me + mf mf
v = v 0 ln − 60g
me me + mf
Now watch this, I’m going to use my magic wand of approximation. This is
when I say that because I know that the ratio is so big, I can ignore the empty
3
rocket mass as compared to the fuel mass. me << mf . Let me remind you, we
are looking for this ratio as well. The ratio of the fuel mass to empty rocket,
mf /me .
me + mf mf
v = v 0 ln − 60g
me me + mf
mf mf
v = v 0 ln − 60g
me mf
v + 60g mf
0
= ln
v me
v + 60g mf
exp[ 0
]=
v me
Plug in 11,200 m/s for v, 9.8 for g, and 2100 m/s for v 0 .
mf
= 274
me
And, by the way, if Goldstein hadn’t just converted 6800 ft/s from his second
edition to 2.1 km/s in his third edition without checking his answer, he would
have noticed that 2.07 km/s which is a more accurate approximation, yields a
ratio of 296. This is more like the number 300 he was looking for.
14. Two points of mass m are joined by a rigid weightless rod of length l, the
center of which is constrained to move on a circle of radius a. Express the kinetic
energy in generalized coordinates.
Answer:
T1 + T2 = T
Where T1 equals the kinetic energy of the center of mass, and T2 is the ki-
netic energy about the center of mass. Keep these two parts seperate!
Solve for T1 first, its the easiest:

1 2 1
T1 = M vcm = (2m)(aψ̇)2 = ma2 ψ̇ 2
2 2
Solve for T2 , realizing that the rigid rod is not restricted to just the X-Y
plane. Don’t forget the Z-axis!
1
T2 = M v 2 = mv 2
2
Solve for v 2 about the center of mass. The angle φ will be the angle in the
x-y plane, while the angle θ will be the angle from the z-axis.
4
If θ = 90o and φ = 0o then x = l/2 so:
l
sin θ cos φ
x=
2
If θ = 90o and φ = 90o then y = l/2 so:
l
y= sin θ sin φ
2
If θ = 0o , then z = l/2 so:
l
z= cos θ
2
Find v 2 :
ẋ2 + ẏ 2 + ż 2 = v 2
l
(cos φ cos θθ̇ − sin θ sin φφ̇)
ẋ =
2
1
ẏ = (sin φ cos θθ̇ + sin θ cos φφ̇)
2
l
ż = − sin θθ̇
2
Carefully square each:
l2 l l l2
ẋ2 = cos2 φ cos2 θθ̇2 − 2 sin θ sin φφ̇ cos φ cos θθ̇ + sin2 θ sin2 φφ̇2
4 2 2 4
l2 l l l2
ẏ 2 = sin2 φ cos2 θθ̇2 + 2 sin θ cos φφ̇ sin φ cos θθ̇ + sin2 θ cos2 φφ̇2
4 2 2 4
l2
sin2 θθ̇2
ż 2 =
4
Now add, striking out the middle terms:
l2
ẋ2 +ẏ 2 +ż 2 = [cos2 φ cos2 θθ̇2 +sin2 θ sin2 φφ̇2 +sin2 φ cos2 θθ̇2 +sin2 θ cos2 φφ̇2 +sin2 θθ̇2 ]
4
Pull the first and third terms inside the brackets together, and pull the
second and fourth terms together as well:
l2
v2 = [cos2 θθ̇2 (cos2 φ + sin2 φ) + sin2 θφ̇2 (sin2 φ + cos2 φ) + sin2 θθ̇2 ]
4
5
l2
v2 = (cos2 θθ̇2 + sin2 θθ̇2 + sin2 θφ̇2 )
4
l2 2
v2 =(θ̇ + sin2 θφ̇2 )
4
Now that we finally have v 2 we can plug this into T2
l2 2
T = T1 + T2 = ma2 ψ̇ 2 + m (θ̇ + sin2 θφ̇2 )
4
It was important to emphasize that T1 is the kinetic energy of the total mass
around the center of the circle while T2 is the kinetic energy of the masses about
the center of mass. Hope that helped.
15. A point particle moves in space under the influence of a force derivable from
a generalized potential of the form
U (r, v) = V (r) + σ · L
where r is the radius vector from a fixed point, L is the angular momentum
about that point, and σ is a fixed vector in space.
1. Find the components of the force on the particle in both Cartesian and
spherical poloar coordinates, on the basis of Lagrangian’s equations with
a generalized potential
2. Show that the components in the two coordinate systems are related to
each other as in the equation shown below of generalized force
3. Obtain the equations of motion in spherical polar coordinates
X ∂ri
Qj = Fi ·
i
∂qj
Answer:
This one is a fairly tedious problem mathematically. First lets find the
components of the force in Cartesian coordinates. Convert U (r, v) into Cartesian
and then plug the expression into the Lagrange-Euler equation.
d ∂ p ∂ p
Qj = [V ( x2 + y 2 + z 2 )+σ ·(r ×p)]− [V ( x2 + y 2 + z 2 )+σ ·(r ×p)]
dt ∂ q̇j ∂qj
d ∂ ∂ p
Qj = [σ·[(xî+y ĵ+z k̂)×(px î+py ĵ+pz k̂)]− [V ( x2 + y 2 + z 2 )+σ·(r×p)]
dt ∂ v̇j ∂xj
6
d ∂ ∂ p
Qj = [σ·[(ypz −zpy )î+(zpx −xpz )ĵ+(xpy −px y)k̂]− [V ( x2 + y 2 + z 2 )+σ·(r×p)]
dt ∂ v̇j ∂xj
d ∂ ∂ p
Qj = [mσx (yvz −zvy )+mσy (zvx −xvz )+mσz (xvy −vx y)]− [V ( x2 + y 2 + z 2 )+σ·(r×p)]
dt ∂ v̇j ∂xj
Where we know that
mσx (yvz − zvy ) + mσy (zvx − xvz ) + mσz (xvy − vx y) = σ · (r × p)
So lets solve for just one component first and let the other ones follow by
example:
d ∂ p
Qx = (mσy z−mσz y)− [V ( x2 + y 2 + z 2 )+mσx (yvz −zvy )+mσy (zvx −xvz )+mσz (xvy −vx y)]
dt ∂x
p 1
Qx = m(σy vz − σz vy ) − [V 0 ( x2 + y 2 + z 2 )(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )− 2 x − mσy vz + mσz vy ]
x
Qx = 2m(σy vz − σz vy ) − V 0
r
If you do the same for the y and z components, they are:
y
Qy = 2m(σz vx − σx vz ) − V 0
r
z
Qz = 2m(σx vy − σy vx ) − V 0
r
Thus the generalized force is:
r
F = 2m(σ × v) − V 0
r
Now its time to play with spherical coordinates. The trick to this is setting
up the coordinate system so that σ is along the z axis. Thus the dot product
simplifies and L is only the z-component.
U = V (r) + mσ(xẏ − y ẋ)

With spherical coordinate definitions:
x = r sin θ cos φ y = r sin θ sin φ z = r cos θ

Solving for (xẏ − y ẋ)
7
ẋ = r(− sin θ sin φφ̇ + cos φ cos θθ̇) + ṙ sin θ cos φ
ẏ = r(sin θ cos φφ̇ + sin φ cos θθ̇) + ṙ sin θ sin φ
Thus xẏ − y ẋ is
= r sin θ cos φ[r(sin θ cos φφ̇ + sin φ cos θθ̇) + ṙ sin θ sin φ]
−r sin θ sin φ[r(− sin θ sin φφ̇ + cos φ cos θθ̇) + ṙ sin θ cos φ].
Note that the ṙ terms drop out as well as the θ̇ terms.
xẏ − y ẋ = r2 sin2 θ cos2 φφ̇ + r2 sin2 θ sin2 φφ̇

xẏ − y ẋ = r2 sin2 θφ̇
Thus
U = V (r) + mσr2 sin2 θφ̇

Plugging this in to Lagrangian’s equations yields:
For Qr :
∂U d ∂U
Qr = − + ( )
∂r dt ∂ ṙ
dV d
Qr = − − 2mσr sin2 θφ̇ + (0)
dr dt
dV
Qr = − − 2mσr sin2 θφ̇
dr
For Qθ :
Qθ = −2mσr2 sin θφ̇ cos θ
For Qφ :
d
Qφ = (mσr2 sin2 θ)
dt
Qφ = mσ(r2 2 sin θ cos θθ̇ + sin2 θ2rṙ)
Qφ = 2mσr2 sin θ cos θθ̇ + 2mσrṙ sin2 θ
For part b, we have to show the components of the two coordinate systems
are related to each other via
X ∂ri
Qj = Fi ·
i
∂qj
Lets take φ for an example,

∂r ∂x ∂y ∂z
Qφ = F · = Fx + Fy + Fz
∂φ ∂φ ∂φ ∂φ
8
Qφ = Qx (−r sin θ sin φ) + Qy (r sin θ cos φ) + Qz (0)
x y
Qφ = [2m(σy vz −σz vy )−V 0 ](−r sin θ sin φ)+[2m(σz vx −σx vz )−V 0 ](r sin θ cos φ)+0
r r
Because in both coordinate systems we will have σ pointing in only the z
direction, then the x and y σ’s disappear:
x y
Qφ = [2m(−σz vy ) − V 0 ](−r sin θ sin φ) + [2m(σz vx ) − V 0 ](r sin θ cos φ)
r r
Pull out the V 0 terms, plug in x and y, see how V 0 terms cancel
Qφ = V 0 (x sin θ sin φ − y sin θ cos φ) − 2mr sin θσ[vy sin φ + vx cos φ]
Qφ = V 0 (r sin2 θ cos φ sin φ − r sin2 θ sin φ cos φ) − 2mr sin θσ[vy sin φ + vx cos φ]
Qφ = −2mr sin θσ[vy sin φ + vx cos φ]

Plug in vy and vx :
Qφ = −2mr sin θσ[sin φ(r sin θ cos φφ̇ + r sin φ cos θθ̇ + ṙ sin θ sin φ)
+ cos φ(−r sin θ sin φφ̇ + r cos φ cos θθ̇ + ṙ sin θ cos φ)].
Qφ = 2mσr sin θ[r sin2 φ cos θθ̇ + ṙ sin θ sin2 φ

+r cos2 φ cos θθ̇ + ṙ sin θ cos2 φ].
Gather sin2 ’s and cos2 ’s:
Qφ = 2mσr sin θ[r cos θθ̇ + ṙ sin θ]

This checks with the derivation in part a for Qφ . This shows that indeed
the components in the two coordinate systems are related to each other as
X ∂ri
Qj = Fi ·
i
∂qj
Any of the other components could be equally compared in the same proce-
dure. I chose Qφ because I felt it was easiest to write up.
For part c, to obtain the equations of motion, we need to find the general-
ized kinetic energy. From this we’ll use Lagrange’s equations to solve for each
component of the force. With both derivations, the components derived from
the generalized potential, and the components derived from kinetic energy, they
will be set equal to each other.
In spherical coordinates, v is:
9
v = ṙr̂ + rθ̇θ̂ + r sin θφ̇φ̂
The kinetic energy in spherical polar coordinates is then:
1 1
T = mv 2 = m(ṙ2 + r2 θ̇2 + r2 sin2 θφ̇2 )
2 2
For the r component:
d ∂T ∂T
( )− = Qr
dt ∂ ṙ ∂r
d
(mṙ) − mrθ̇2 − mr sin2 θφ̇2 = Qr
dt
mr̈ − mrθ̇2 − mr sin2 θφ̇2 = Qr

From part a,
Qr = −V 0 − 2mσr sin2 θφ̇

Set them equal:
mr̈ − mrθ̇2 − mr sin2 θφ̇2 = Qr = −V 0 − 2mσr sin2 θφ̇
mr̈ − mrθ̇2 − mr sin2 θφ̇2 + V 0 + 2mσr sin2 θφ̇ = 0
mr̈ − mrθ̇2 + mr sin2 θφ̇(2σ − φ̇) + V 0 = 0

For the θ component:
d ∂T ∂T
( )− = Qθ
dt ∂ θ̇ ∂θ
d
(mr2 θ̇) − mr2 sin θφ̇2 cos θ = Qθ
dt
mr2 θ̈ + 2mrṙθ̇ − mr2 sin θφ̇2 cos θ = Qθ

From part a,
Qθ = −2mσr2 sin θ cos θφ̇

Set the two equal:
mr2 θ̈ + 2mrṙθ̇ − mr2 sin θφ̇2 cos θ + 2mσr2 sin θ cos θφ̇ = 0
mr2 θ̈ + 2mrṙθ̇ + mr2 sin θ cos θφ̇(2σ − φ̇) = 0
10
For the last component, φ we have:
d ∂T ∂T
( )− = Qφ
dt ∂ φ̇ ∂φ
d
(mr2 sin2 θφ̇) − 0 = Qφ
dt
d
mr2 (sin2 θφ̇) + 2mrṙ sin2 θφ̇ = Qφ
dt
mr2 sin2 θφ̈ + 2mr2 sin θ cos θθ̇φ̇ + 2mrṙ sin2 θφ̇ = Qφ
From part a,
Qφ = 2mσr2 sin θ cos θθ̇ + 2mσrṙ sin2 θ

Set the two equal:
mr2 sin2 θφ̈+2mr2 sin θ cos θθ̇φ̇+2mrṙ sin2 θφ̇−2mσr2 sin θ cos θθ̇−2mσrṙ sin2 θ = 0
mr2 sin2 θφ̈ + 2mr2 sin θ cos θθ̇(φ̇ − σ) + 2mrṙ sin2 θ(φ̇ − σ) = 0
That’s it, here are all of the equations of motion together in one place:
mr̈ − mrθ̇2 + mr sin2 θφ̇(2σ − φ̇) + V 0 = 0

mr2 θ̈ + 2mrṙθ̇ + mr2 sin θ cos θφ̇(2σ − φ̇) = 0
mr2 sin2 θφ̈ + 2mr2 sin θ cos θθ̇(φ̇ − σ) + 2mrṙ sin2 θ(φ̇ − σ) = 0
16. A particle moves in a plane under the influence of a force, acting toward a
center of force, whose magnitude is
1 ṙ2 − 2r̈r
F = (1 − )
r2 c2
where r is the distance of the particle to the center of force. Find the generalized
potential that will result in such a force, and from that the Lagrangian for the
motion in a plane. The expression for F represents the force between two charges
in Weber’s electrodynamics.
Answer:
This one takes some guess work and careful handling of signs. To get from
force to potential we will have to take a derivative of a likely potential. Note
that if you expand the force it looks like this:
11
1 ṙ2 2r̈
F = 2
− 2 2+ 2
r c r c r
We know that
∂U d ∂U
− + =F
∂r dt ∂ ṙ
So lets focus on the time derivative for now. If we want a r̈ we would have
to take the derivative of a ṙ. Let pick something that looks close, say c22ṙr :
d 2ṙ 2ṙ ṙ 2r̈ 2ṙ2 2r̈

( 2 ) = 2 (− 2 ) + 2 = − 2 2 + 2
dt c r c r c r c r c r
Excellent! This has our third term we were looking for. Make this stay the
same when you take the partial with respect to ṙ.
∂ ṙ2 2ṙ
= 2
∂ ṙ c2 r c r
2
So we know that the potential we are guessing at, has the term cṙ2 r in it. Lets
add to it what would make the first term of the force if you took the negative
partial with respect to r, see if it works out.
That is,
∂ 1 1
− = 2
∂r r r
So
1 ṙ2
U= + 2
r c r
might work. Checking:
∂U d ∂U
− + =F
∂r dt ∂ ṙ
We have
∂U 1 ṙ2
=− 2 − 2 2
∂r r c r
and
d ∂U d 2ṙ 2ṙ ṙ 1 2r̈ 2ṙ2 2r̈

= 2
= 2 (− 2 ) + ( 2 ) = − 2 2 + 2
dt ∂ ṙ dt c r c r r c c r c r
thus
∂U d ∂U 1 ṙ2 2ṙ2 2r̈

− + = 2+ 2 2− 2 2+ 2
∂r dt ∂ ṙ r c r c r c r
∂U d ∂U 1 ṙ2 2r̈
− + = 2− 2 2+ 2
∂r dt ∂ ṙ r c r c r
12
This is indeed the force unexpanded,
1 ṙ2 − 2r̈r 1 ṙ2 2r̈

F = 2
(1 − 2
)= 2 − 2 2 + 2
r c r c r c r
2
Thus our potential, U = 1r + cṙ2 r works. To find the Lagrangian use L =
T − U . In a plane, with spherical coordinates, the kinetic energy is
1
T = m(ṙ2 + r2 θ̇2 )
2
Thus
1 1 ṙ2
L= m(ṙ2 + ṙ2 θ̇2 ) − (1 + 2 )
2 r c
17. A nucleus, originally at rest, decays radioactively by emitting an electron
of momentum 1.73 MeV/c, and at right angles to the direction of the electron
a neutrino with momentum 1.00 MeV/c. The MeV, million electron volt, is a
unit of energy used in modern physics equal to 1.60 × 10−13 J. Correspondingly,
MeV/c is a unit of linear momentum equal to 5.34 × 10−22 kg·m/s. In what
direction does the nucleus recoil? What is its momentum in MeV/c? If the mass
of the residual nucleus is 3.90 × 10−25 kg what is its kinetic energy, in electron
volts?
Answer:
If you draw a diagram you’ll see that the nucleus recoils in the opposite
direction of the vector made by the electron plus the neutrino emission. Place
the neutrino at the x-axis, the electron on the y axis and use pythagorean’s
theorme to see the nucleus will recoil with a momentum of 2 Mev/c. The
nucleus goes in the opposite direction of the vector that makes an angle
1.73
θ = tan−1 = 60◦
1
from the x axis. This is 240◦ from the x-axis.
To find the kinetic energy, you can convert the momentum to kg · m/s, then
convert the whole answer that is in joules to eV,
p2 [2(5.34 × 10−22 )]2 1M eV 106 eV

T = = · · = 9.13eV
2m 2 · 3.9 × 10−25 1.6 × 10−13 J 1M eV
13
18. A Lagrangian for a particular physical system can be written as
m K
L0 = (aẋ2 + 2bẋẏ + cẏ 2 ) − (ax2 + 2bxy + cy 2 ).
2 2
where a, b, and c are arbitrary constants but subject to the condition that
b2 − ac 6= 0. What are the equations of motion? Examine particularly the two
cases a = 0 = c and b = 0, c = −a. What is the physical system described
by the above Lagrangian? Show that the usual Lagrangian for this system as
defined by Eq. (1.57’):
dF
L0 (q, q̇, t) = L(q, q̇, t) +
dt
is related to L0 by a point transformation (cf. Derivation 10). What is the
significance of the condition on the value of b2 − ac?
Answer:
To find the equations of motion, use the Euler-Lagrange equations.
∂L0 d ∂L0
=
∂q dt ∂ q̇
For x first:
∂L0
− = −(−Kax − Kby) = K(ax + by)
∂x
∂L0
= m(aẋ + bẏ)
∂ ẋ
d ∂L0
= m(aẍ + bÿ)
dt ∂ ẋ
Thus
−K(ax + by) = m(aẍ + bÿ)

Now for y:
∂L0
− = −(−Kby − Kcy) = K(bx + cy)
∂y
∂L0
= m(bẋ + cẏ)
∂ ẋ
d ∂L0
= m(bẍ + cÿ)
dt ∂ ẋ
Thus
−K(bx + cy) = m(bẍ + cÿ)
14
Therefore our equations of motion are:
−K(ax + by) = m(aẍ + bÿ)

−K(bx + cy) = m(bẍ + cÿ)
Examining the particular cases, we find:
If a = 0 = c then:
−Kx = mẍ − Ky = −mÿ

If b = 0, c = −a then:
−Kx = mẍ − Ky = −mÿ

The physical system is harmonic oscillation of a particle of mass m in two
dimensions. If you make a substitution to go to a different coordinate system
this is easier to see.
u = ax + by v = bx + cy
Then
−Ku = mü
−Kv = mv̈
The system can now be more easily seen as two independent but identical
simple harmonic oscillators, after a point transformation was made.√
When the condition b2 − ac 6= 0 is violated, then we have b = ac, and L0
simplifies to this:
m √ √ K √ √
L0 = ( aẋ + cẏ)2 − ( ax + cy)2
2 2
Note that this is now a one dimensional problem. So the condition keeps the
Lagrangian in two dimensions, or you can say that the transformation matrix

a b
b c
is singluar because b2 − ac 6= 0 Note that

u a b x
= .
v b c y
So if this condition holds then we can reduce the Lagrangian by a point
transformation.
19. Obtain the Lagrange equations of motion for spherical pendulum, i.e., a
mass point suspended by a rigid weightless rod.
15
Answer:
The kinetic energy is found the same way as in exercise 14, and the potential
energy is found by using the origin to be at zero potential.
1 2 2
T = ml (θ̇ + sin2 θφ̇2 )
2
If θ is the angle from the positive z-axis, then at θ = 90◦ the rod is aligned
along the x-y plane, with zero potential. Because cos(90) = 0 we should expect
a cos in the potential. When the rod is aligned along the z-axis, its potential
will be its height.
V = mgl cos θ
If θ = 0 then V = mgl. If θ = 180 then V = −mgl.
So the Lagrangian is L = T − V .
1 2 2
L= ml (θ̇ + sin2 θφ̇2 ) − mgl cos θ
2
To find the Lagrangian equations, they are the equations of motion:
∂L d ∂L
=
∂θ dt ∂ θ̇
∂L d ∂L
=
∂φ dt ∂ φ̇
Solving these yields:
∂L
= ml2 sin θφ̇2 cos θ + mgl sin θ
∂θ
d ∂L
= ml2 θ̈
dt ∂ θ̇
Thus
ml2 sin θφ̇2 cos θ + mgl sin θ − ml2 θ̈ = 0
and
∂L
=0
∂φ
d ∂L d
= (ml2 sin2 θφ̇) = ml2 sin2 θφ̈ + 2φ̇ml2 sin θ cos θ
dt ∂ φ̇ dt
Thus
ml2 sin2 θφ̈ + 2φ̇ml2 sin θ cos θ = 0
16
Therefore the equations of motion are:
ml2 sin θφ̇2 cos θ + mgl sin θ − ml2 θ̈ = 0
ml2 sin2 θφ̈ + 2φ̇ml2 sin θ cos θ = 0

20. A particle of mass m moves in one dimension such that it has the Lagrangian
m2 ẋ4
L= + mẋ2 V (x) − V2 (x)
12
where V is some differentiable function of x. Find the equation of motion for
x(t) and describe the physical nature of the system on the basis of this system.
Answer:
I believe there are two errors in the 3rd edition version of this question.
Namely, there should be a negative sign infront of mẋ2 V (x) and the V2 (x)
should be a V 2 (x). Assuming these are all the errors, the solution to this
problem goes like this:
m2 ẋ4
L= − mẋ2 V (x) − V 2 (x)
12
Find the equations of motion from Euler-Lagrange formulation.
∂L
= −mẋ2 V 0 (x) − 2V (x)V 0 (x)
∂x
∂L m2 ẋ3
= + 2mẋV (x)
∂ ẋ 3
d ∂L
= m2 ẋ2 ẍ + 2mV (x)ẍ
dt ∂ ẋ
Thus
mẋ2 V 0 + 2V V 0 + m2 ẋ2 ẍ + 2mV ẍ = 0

is our equation of motion. But we want to interpret it. So lets make it look
like it has useful terms in it, like kinetic energy and force. This can be done by
dividing by 2 and seperating out 21 mv 2 and ma’s.
mẋ2 0 mẋ2
V +VV0+ mẍ + mẍV = 0
2 2
Pull V 0 terms together and mẍ terms together:
mẋ2 mẋ2
( + V )V 0 + mẍ( +V)=0
2 2
Therefore:
mẋ2
( + V )(mẍ + V 0 ) = 0
2
17
mẋ2
Now this looks like E · E 0 = 0 because E = 2 + V (x). That would mean
d 2
E = 2EE 0 = 0
dt
Which allows us to see that E 2 is a constant. If you look at t = 0 and the
starting energy of the particle, then you will notice that if E = 0 at t = 0 then
E = 0 for all other times. If E 6= 0 at t = 0 then E 6= 0 all other times while
mẍ + V 0 = 0.
21. Two mass points of mass m1 and m2 are connected by a string passing
through a hole in a smooth table so that m1 rests on the table surface and
m2 hangs suspended. Assuming m2 moves only in a vertical line, what are the
generalized coordinates for the system? Write the Lagrange equations for the
system and, if possible, discuss the physical significance any of them might have.
Reduce the problem to a single second-order differential equation and obtain a
first integral of the equation. What is its physical significance? (Consider the
motion only until m1 reaches the hole.)
Answer:
The generalized coordinates for the system are θ, the angle m1 moves round
on the table, and r the length of the string from the hole to m1 . The whole
motion of the system can be described by just these coordinates. To write the
Lagrangian, we will want the kinetic and potential energies.
1 1
T = m2 ṙ2 + m1 (ṙ2 + r2 θ̇2 )
2 2
V = −m2 g(l − r)
The kinetic energy is just the addition of both masses, while V is obtained
so that V = −mgl when r = 0 and so that V = 0 when r = l.
1 1
L=T −V = (m2 + m1 )ṙ2 + m1 r2 θ̇2 + m2 g(l − r)
2 2
To find the Lagrangian equations or equations of motion, solve for each
component:
∂L
=0
∂θ
∂L
= m1 r2 θ̇
∂ θ̇
d ∂L d
= (m1 r2 θ̇) = 0
dt ∂ θ̇ dt
d ∂L
= m1 r2 θ̈ + 2m1 rṙθ̇ = 0
dt ∂ θ̇
18
Thus
d
(m1 r2 θ̇) = m1 r(rθ̈ + 2θ̇ṙ) = 0
dt
and
∂L
= −m2 g + m1 rθ̇2
∂r
∂L
= (m2 + m1 )ṙ
∂ ṙ
d ∂L
= (m2 + m1 )r̈
dt ∂ ṙ
Thus
m2 g − m1 rθ̇2 + (m2 + m1 )r̈ = 0
d
(m1 r2 θ̇) = m1 r(rθ̈ + 2θ̇ṙ) = 0
dt
m2 g − m1 rθ̇2 + (m2 + m1 )r̈ = 0

See that m1 r2 θ̇ is constant. It is angular momentum. Now the Lagrangian
can be put in terms of angular momentum. We have θ̇ = l/m1 r2 .
1 l2
L= (m1 + m2 )ṙ2 + − m2 gr
2 2m1 r2
The equation of motion
m2 g − m1 rθ̇2 + (m2 + m1 )r̈ = 0

Becomes
l2
(m1 + m2 )r̈ − + m2 g = 0
m1 r3
The problem has been reduced to a single second-order differential equation.
The next step is a nice one to notice. If you take the derivative of our new
Lagrangian you get our single second-order differential equation of motion.
d 1 l2 l2
( (m1 + m2 )ṙ2 + − m 2 gr) = (m1 + m 2 )ṙr̈ − ṙ − m2 g ṙ = 0
dt 2 2m1 r2 m1 r 3
l2
(m1 + m2 )r̈ − − m2 g = 0
m1 r3
Thus the first integral of the equation is exactly the Lagrangian. As far as in-
terpreting this, I will venture to say the the Lagrangian is constant, the system is
closed, the energy is conversed, the linear and angular momentum are conserved.
19
22. Obtain the Lagrangian and equations of motion for the double pendulum
illustrated in Fig 1.4, where the lengths of the pendula are l1 and l2 with corre-
sponding masses m1 and m2 .
Answer:
Add the Lagrangian of the first mass to the Lagrangian of the second mass.
For the first mass:
1 2 2
T1 = ml θ̇
2 1 1
V1 = −m1 gl1 cos θ1

Thus
1
L1 = T1 − V1 =ml1 θ̇12 + mgl1 cos θ1
2
To find the Lagrangian for the second mass, use new coordinates:
x2 = l1 sin θ1 + l2 sin θ2
y2 = l1 cos θ1 + l2 cos θ2
Then it becomes easier to see the kinetic and potential energies:
1
T2 = m2 (ẋ22 + ẏ22 )
2
V2 = −m2 gy2
Take derivatives and then plug and chug:
1
T2 = m2 (l12 sin2 θ1 θ̇12 + 2l1 l2 sin θ1 sin θ2 θ̇1 θ̇2 + l22 sin2 θ2 θ̇22
2
+l12 cos2 θ1 θ̇12 + 2l1 l2 cos θ1 cos θ2 θ̇1 θ̇2 + l22 cos2 θ2 θ̇22 )
1
T2 = m2 (l12 θ̇12 + l22 θ̇22 + 2l1 l2 cos(θ1 − θ2 )θ̇1 θ̇2 )
2
and
V2 = −mg(l1 cos θ1 + l2 cos θ2 )

Thus
L2 = T2 − V2
1
= m2 (l12 θ̇12 + l22 θ̇22 + 2l1 l2 cos(θ1 − θ2 )θ̇1 θ̇2 ) + m2 g(l1 cos θ1 + l2 cos θ2 )
2
Add L1 + L2 = L,
20
1 1
L= m2 (l12 θ̇12 +l22 θ̇22 +2l1 l2 cos(θ1 −θ2 )θ̇1 θ̇2 )+m2 g(l1 cos θ1 +l2 cos θ2 )+ ml1 θ̇12 +m1 gl1 cos θ1
2 2
Simplify even though it still is pretty messy:
1 1
L= (m1 +m2 )l12 θ̇12 +m2 l1 l2 cos(θ1 −θ2 )θ̇1 θ̇2 + m2 l22 θ̇22 +(m1 +m2 )gl1 cos θ1 +m2 gl2 cos θ2
2 2
This is the Lagrangian for the double pendulum. To find the equations of
motion, apply the usual Euler-Lagrangian equations and turn the crank:
For θ1 :
∂L
= −m2 l1 l2 sin(θ1 − θ2 )θ̇1 θ̇2 − (m1 + m2 )gl1 sin θ1
∂θ1
∂L
= (m1 + m2 )l22 θ̇1 + m2 l1 l2 cos(θ1 − θ2 )θ̇2
∂ θ̇1
d ∂L d
[ ] = (m1 + m2 )l12 θ̈1 + m2 l1 l2 cos(θ1 − θ2 )θ̈2 + θ̇2 [m2 l1 l2 cos(θ1 − θ2 )]
dt ∂ θ̇1 dt
Let’s solve this annoying derivative term:
d d
θ̇2 [m2 l1 l2 cos(θ1 − θ2 )] = θ̇2 m2 l2 l1 [cos θ1 cos θ2 + sin θ1 sin θ2 ]
dt dt
Using a trig identity,
= θ̇2 m2 l2 l1 [− cos θ1 sin θ2 θ̇2 − cos θ2 sin θ1 θ̇1 + sin θ1 cos θ2 θ̇2 + sin θ2 cos θ1 θ̇1 ]
And then more trig identities to put it back together,
= θ̇2 m2 l2 l1 [θ̇2 sin(θ1 − θ2 ) − θ̇1 sin(θ1 − θ2 )]
= θ̇22 m2 l2 l1 sin(θ1 − θ2 ) − m2 l2 l1 sin(θ1 − θ2 )θ̇1 θ̇2

Plugging this term back into our Euler-Lagrangian formula, the second term
of this cancels its positive counterpart:
∂L d ∂L
− + [ ] = (m1 +m2 )gl1 sin θ1 +(m1 +m2 )l22 θ̈1 +m2 l1 l2 cos(θ1 −θ2 )θ̈2 +θ̇22 m2 l2 l1 sin(θ1 −θ2 )
∂θ dt ∂ θ̇1
Finally, cancel out a l1 and set to zero for our first equation of motion:
(m1 + m2 )g sin θ1 + (m1 + m2 )l1 θ̈1 + m2 l2 cos(θ1 − θ2 )θ̈2 + θ̇22 m2 l2 sin(θ1 − θ2 ) = 0
Now for θ2 :
21
∂L
= m2 l1 l2 sin(θ1 − θ2 )θ̇1 θ̇2 − m2 gl2 sin θ2
∂θ2
∂L
= m2 l1 l2 cos(θ1 − θ2 )θ̇1 + m2 l22 θ̇2
∂ θ̇2
d ∂L d
= m2 l22 θ̈2 + θ̈1 m2 l2 l1 cos(θ1 − θ2 ) + θ̇1 [ (m2 l2 l1 cos(θ1 − θ2 ))]
dt ∂ θ̇2 dt
Fortunately this is the same derivative term as before, so we can cut to the
chase:
= m2 l22 θ̈2 + θ̈1 m2 l2 l1 cos(θ1 − θ2 ) + m2 l1 l2 θ̇1 [θ̇2 sin(θ1 − θ2 ) − θ̇1 sin(θ1 − θ2 )]
Thus
∂L d ∂L
− + = +m2 gl2 sin θ2 +m2 l22 θ̈2 +θ̈1 m2 l1 l2 cos(θ1 −θ2 )−θ̇12 m2 l1 l2 sin(θ1 −θ2 )
∂θ2 dt ∂ θ̇2
Cancel out an l2 this time, set to zero, and we have our second equation of
motion:
m2 g sin θ2 + m2 l2 θ̈2 + θ̈1 m2 l1 cos(θ1 − θ2 ) − θ̇12 m2 l1 sin(θ1 − θ2 ) = 0
Both of the equations of motion together along with the Lagrangian:

1 1
L= (m1 +m2 )l12 θ̇12 +m2 l1 l2 cos(θ1 −θ2 )θ̇1 θ̇2 + m2 l22 θ̇22 +(m1 +m2 )gl1 cos θ1 +m2 gl2 cos θ2
2 2
(m1 + m2 )g sin θ1 + (m1 + m2 )l1 θ̈1 + m2 l2 cos(θ1 − θ2 )θ̈2 + θ̇22 m2 l2 sin(θ1 − θ2 ) = 0

m2 g sin θ2 + m2 l2 θ̈2 + θ̈1 m2 l1 cos(θ1 − θ2 ) − θ̇12 m2 l1 sin(θ1 − θ2 ) = 0
23. Obtain the equation of motion for a particle falling vertically under the
influence of gravity when frictional forces obtainable from a dissipation function
1 2
2 kv are present. Integrate the equation to obtain the velocity as a function
of time and show that the maximum possible velocity for a fall from rest is
v + mg/k.
Answer:
Work in one dimension, and use the most simple Lagrangian possible:
1
L= mż 2 − mgz
2
With dissipation function:
22
1 2
F = k ż
2
The Lagrangian formulation is now:
d ∂L ∂L ∂F
− + =0
dt ∂ ż ∂z ∂ ż
Plug and chug and get:
mz̈ − mg + k ż = 0
Note that at terminal velocity there is no total force acting on you, gravity
matches force due to friction, so mz̈ = 0:
mg
mg = k ż → ż =
k
But lets integrate like the problem asks. Let f = ż − mg
k and substitute into
the equation of motion:
mz̈ − mg + k ż = 0
mz̈ mg
− + ż = 0
k k
mz̈
+f =0
k
Note that f 0 = z̈. Thus
mf 0
+f =0
k
f0 k
=−
f m
k
ln f = − t+C
m
k
f = Ce− m t
Therefore
mg k
ż −= Ce− m t
k
Plugging in the boundary conditions, that at t = 0, ż = 0, we solve for C
mg
− =C
k
Thus
mg mg − k t
ż − =− e m
k k
23
and with t → ∞ we have finally
mg
ż =
k
24. A spring of rest length La ( no tension ) is connected to a support at one end
and has a mass M attached at the other. Neglect the mass of the spring, the
dimension of the mass M , and assume that the motion is confined to a vertical
plane. Also, assume that the spring only stretches without bending but it can
swing in the plane.
1. Using the angular displacement of the mass from the vertical and the
length that the string has stretched from its rest length (hanging with the
mass m), find Lagrange’s equations.
2. Solve these equations fro small stretching and angular displacements.

3. Solve the equations in part (1) to the next order in both stretching and
angular displacement. This part is amenable to hand calculations. Us-
ing some reasonable assumptions about the spring constant, the mass,
and the rest length, discuss the motion. Is a resonance likely under the
assumptions stated in the problem?
4. (For analytic computer programs.) Consider the spring to have a total
mass m << M . Neglecting the bending of the spring, set up Lagrange’s
equations correctly to first order in m and the angular and linear displace-
ments.
5. (For numerical computer analysis.) Make sets of reasonable assumptions
of the constants in part (1) and make a single plot of the two coordinates
as functions of time.
Answer:
This is a spring-pendulum. It’s kinetic energy is due to translation only.

1
T = m(ṙ2 + (rθ̇)2 )
2
The more general form of v is derived in problem 15 if this step was not
clear. Just disregard φ direction. Here r signifies the total length of the spring,
from support to mass at any time.
As in problem 22, the potential has a term dependent on gravity, but it also
has the potential of your normal spring.
1
V = −mgr cos θ + k(r − La )2
2
Note that the potential due to gravity depends on the total length of the
spring, while the potential due to the spring is only dependent on the stretching
from its natural length. Solving for the Lagrangian:
24
1 1
L=T −V = m(ṙ2 + (rθ̇)2 ) + mgr cos θ − k(r − La )2
2 2
Lets solve for Lagrange’s equations now.
For r:
∂L
= mg cos θ + mrθ̇2 − k(r − La )
∂r
d ∂L
= mr̈
dt ∂ ṙ
For θ:
∂L
= −mgr sin θ
∂θ
d ∂L d
= (mr2 θ̇) = mr2 θ̈ + 2mrṙθ̇
dt ∂ θ̇ dt
Bring all the pieces together to form the equations of motion:
d ∂L ∂L
− = mr̈ − mrθ̇2 + k(r − La ) − mg cos θ = 0
dt ∂ ṙ ∂r
d ∂L ∂L
− = mr2 θ̈ + 2mrṙθ̇ + mgr sin θ = 0
dt ∂ θ̇ ∂θ
For part b, we are to solve these equations for small stretching and angular
displacements. Simplify the equations above by canceling out m’s, r’s and
substituting θ for sin θ, and 1 for cos θ.
k
r̈ − rθ̇2 + (r − La ) − g = 0
m
2ṙ g
θ̈ + θ̇ + θ = 0
r r
Solve the first equation, for r, with the initial condition that θ0 = 0, θ̇0 = 0,
r0 = 0 and ṙ0 = 0:
mg
r = La +
k
Solve the second equation, for θ, with the same initial conditions:
θ=0
This is the solution of the Lagrangian equations that make the generalized
force identically zero. To solve the next order, change variables to measure
deviation from equilibrium.
mg
x = r − (La + ), θ
k
Substitute the variables, keep only terms to 1st order in x and θ and the
solution is:
25
k g
ẍ = − x θ̈ = − m θ
m La + kg
In terms of the original coordinates r and θ, the solutions to these are:
r
mg k
r = La + + A cos( t + φ)
k m
s
kg
θ = B cos( t + φ0 )
kLa + mg
The phase angles, φ and φ0 , and amplitudes A and B are constants of inte-
gration and fixed by the initial conditions. Resonance is very unlikely with this
system. The spring pendulum is known for its nonlinearity and studies in chaos
theory.
26
Homework 1: # 1, 2, 6, 8, 14, 20
Michael Good
August 22, 2004
1. Show that for a single particle with constant mass the equation of motion
implies the follwing differential equation for the kinetic energy:
dT
=F·v
dt
while if the mass varies with time the corresponding equation is
d(mT )
= F · p.
dt
Answer:
dT d( 1 mv 2 )
= 2 = mv · v̇ = ma · v = F · v
dt dt
with time variable mass,
d(mT ) d p2
= ( ) = p · ṗ = F · p.
dt dt 2
2. Prove that the magnitude R of the position vector for the center of mass
from an arbitrary origin is given by the equation:
X 1X
M 2 R2 = M mi ri2 − 2
mi mj rij .
i
2 i,j
Answer:
X
MR = mi ri
X
M 2 R2 = mi mj ri · rj
i,j
Solving for ri · rj realize that rij = ri − rj . Square ri − rj and you get
1
2
rij = ri2 − 2ri · rj + rj2
Plug in for ri · rj
1 2
(r + rj2 − rij
ri · rj = 2
)
2 i
1X 1X 1X
M 2 R2 = mi mj ri2 + mi mj rj2 − 2
mi mj rij
2 i,j 2 i,j 2 i,j
1 X 1 X 1X
M 2 R2 = M mi ri2 + M mj rj2 − 2
mi mj rij
2 i
2 j
2 i,j
X 1X
M 2 R2 = M mi ri2 − 2
mi mj rij
i
2 i,j
6. A particle moves in the xy plane under the constraint that its velocity vector
is always directed toward a point on the x axis whose abscissa is some given
function of time f (t). Show that for f (t) differentiable, but otherwise arbitrary,
the constraint is nonholonomic.
Answer:
The abscissa is the x-axis distance from the origin to the point on the x-axis
that the velocity vector is aimed at. It has the distance f (t).
I claim that the ratio of the velocity vector components must be equal to
the ratio of the vector components of the vector that connects the particle to
the point on the x-axis. The directions are the same. The velocity vector
components are:
dy
vy =
dt
dx
vx =
dt
The vector components of the vector that connects the particle to the point
on the x-axis are:
Vy = y(t)
Vx = x(t) − f (t)
For these to be the same, then
vy Vy
=
vx Vx
2
dy y(t)
=
dx x(t) − f (t)
dy dx
=
y(t) x(t) − f (t)
This cannot be integrated with f (t) being arbitrary. Thus the constraint is
nonholonomic. If the constraint was holonomic then
F (x, y, t) = 0
would be true. If an arbitrary, but small change of dx, dy, dt was made subject
to the constraint then the equation
∂F ∂F ∂F
dx + dy + dt = 0
∂x ∂y ∂t
would hold. From this it can be seen our constraint equation is actually
ydx + (f (t) − x)dy + (0)dt = 0

Thus
∂F ∂F ∂F
=0 = yI = (f (t) − x)I
dt ∂x ∂y
where I is our integrating factor, I(x, y, t). The first equation shows F = F (x, y)
and the second equation that I = I(x, y). The third equation shows us that all
of this is impossible because
∂F 1
f (t) = +x
∂y I(x, y)
where f (t) is only dependent on time, but the right side depends only on x and
y. There can be no integrating factor for the constraint equation and thus it
means this constraint is nonholonomic.
8. If L is a Lagrangian for a system of n degrees of freedom satisfying Lagrange’s

equations, show by direct substitution that
dF (q1 , ..., qn , t)
L0 = L +
dt
also satisfies Lagrange’s equations where F is any arbitrary, but differentiable,
function of its arguments.
Answer:
Let’s directly substitute L0 into Lagrange’s equations.
3
d ∂L0 ∂L0
− =0
dt ∂ q̇ ∂q
d ∂ dF ∂ dF
(L + )− (L + )=0
d ∂L ∂ dF ∂L ∂ dF
[ + ]− − =0
dt ∂ q̇ ∂ q̇ dt ∂q ∂q dt
d ∂L ∂L d ∂ dF ∂ dF
− + − =0
dt ∂ q̇ ∂q dt ∂ q̇ dt ∂q dt
On the left we recognized Lagrange’s equations, which we know equal zero.
Now to show the terms with F vanish.
d ∂ dF ∂ dF
− =0
d ∂ Ḟ ∂ Ḟ
=
dt ∂ q̇ ∂q
This is shown to be true because
∂ Ḟ ∂F
=
∂ q̇ ∂q
and
d ∂ Ḟ d ∂F
=
dt ∂ q̇ dt ∂q
∂ ∂F ∂ ∂F
= + q̇
∂t ∂q ∂q ∂q
∂ ∂F ∂F ∂ Ḟ
= [ + q̇] =
∂q ∂t ∂q ∂q
Thus as Goldstein reminded us, L = T − V is a suitable Lagrangian, but it
is not the only Lagrangian for a given system.
14. Two points of mass m are joined by a rigid weightless rod of length l, the
center of which is constrained to move on a circle of radius a. Express the
kinetic energy in generalized coordinates.
Answer:
T = T1 + T2
4
Where T1 equals the kinetic energy of the center of mass, and T2 is the ki-
netic energy about the center of mass. I will keep these two parts separate.
Solve for T1 first, its the easiest:

1 2 1
T1 = M vcm = (2m)(aψ̇)2 = ma2 ψ̇ 2
2 2
Solve for T2 , realizing that the rigid rod is probably not restricted to just
the X-Y plane. The Z-axis adds more complexity to the problem.
1
T2 = M v 2 = mv 2
2
Solve for v 2 about the center of mass. The angle φ will be the angle in the
x-y plane, while the angle θ will be the angle from the z-axis.
If θ = 90o and φ = 0o then x = l/2 so:

l
x=
sin θ cos φ
2
If θ = 90o and φ = 90o then y = l/2 so:
l
y= sin θ sin φ
2
If θ = 0o , then z = l/2 so:
l
z= cos θ
2
Find v 2 :
ẋ2 + ẏ 2 + ż 2 = v 2
l
(cos φ cos θθ̇ − sin θ sin φφ̇)
ẋ =
2
1
ẏ = (sin φ cos θθ̇ + sin θ cos φφ̇)
2
l
ż = − sin θθ̇
2
Carefully square each:
l2 l l l2
ẋ2 = cos2 φ cos2 θθ̇2 − 2 sin θ sin φφ̇ cos φ cos θθ̇ + sin2 θ sin2 φφ̇2
4 2 2 4
l2 l l l2
ẏ 2 = sin2 φ cos2 θθ̇2 + 2 sin θ cos φφ̇ sin φ cos θθ̇ + sin2 θ cos2 φφ̇2
4 2 2 4
5
l2
sin2 θθ̇2
ż 2 =
4
Now add, striking out the middle terms:
l2
ẋ2 +ẏ 2 +ż 2 = [cos2 φ cos2 θθ̇2 +sin2 θ sin2 φφ̇2 +sin2 φ cos2 θθ̇2 +sin2 θ cos2 φφ̇2 +sin2 θθ̇2 ]
4
Pull the first and third terms inside the brackets together, and pull the
second and fourth terms together as well:
l2
v2 = [cos2 θθ̇2 (cos2 φ + sin2 φ) + sin2 θφ̇2 (sin2 φ + cos2 φ) + sin2 θθ̇2 ]
4
l2
v2 = (cos2 θθ̇2 + sin2 θθ̇2 + sin2 θφ̇2 )
4
l2 2
v2 = (θ̇ + sin2 θφ̇2 )
4
Now that we finally have v 2 we can plug this into T2
l2 2
T = T1 + T2 = ma2 ψ̇ 2 + m(θ̇ + sin2 θφ̇2 )
4
I want to emphasize again that T1 is the kinetic energy of the total mass
around the center of the circle while T2 is the kinetic energy of the masses about
the center of mass.
20. A particle of mass m moves in one dimension such that it has the Lagrangian
m2 ẋ4
L= + mẋ2 V (x) − V2 (x)
12
where V is some differentiable function of x. Find the equation of motion for
x(t) and describe the physical nature of the system on the basis of this system.
Answer:
Correcting for error,
m2 ẋ4
L= + mẋ2 V (x) − V 2 (x)
12
Finding the equations of motion from Euler-Lagrange formulation:
∂L
= +mẋ2 V 0 (x) − 2V (x)V 0 (x)
∂x
6
∂L m2 ẋ3
=+ + 2mẋV (x)
∂ ẋ 3
d ∂L
= m2 ẋ2 ẍ + 2mV (x)ẍ + 2mẋV 0 (x)ẋ
dt ∂ ẋ
Thus
−mẋ2 V 0 + 2V V 0 + m2 ẋ2 ẍ + 2mV ẍ + 2mẋV 0 (x)ẋ = 0
mẋ2 V 0 + 2V V 0 + m2 ẋ2 ẍ + 2mV ẍ = 0

is our equation of motion. But we want to interpret it. So lets make it look
like it has useful terms in it, like kinetic energy and force. This can be done by
dividing by 2 and separating out 21 mv 2 and ma’s.
mẋ2 0 mẋ2
V +VV0+ mẍ + mẍV = 0
2 2
Pull V 0 terms together and mẍ terms together:
mẋ2 mẋ2
( + V )V 0 + mẍ( +V)=0
2 2
Therefore:
mẋ2
( + V )(mẍ + V 0 ) = 0
2
mẋ2
Now this looks like E · E 0 = 0 because E = 2 + V (x). That would mean
d 2
E = 2EE 0 = 0
dt
Which reveals that E 2 is a constant. If we look at t = 0 and the starting
energy of the particle, then we will notice that if E = 0 at t = 0 then E = 0 for
all other times. If E 6= 0 at t = 0 then E 6= 0 all other times while mẍ + V 0 = 0.
7
Homework 1: # 1.21, 2.7, 2.12
Michael Good
Sept 3, 2004
1.21. Two mass points of mass m1 and m2 are connected by a string passing
through a hole in a smooth table so that m1 rests on the table surface and
m2 hangs suspended. Assuming m2 moves only in a vertical line, what are the
generalized coordinates for the system? Write the Lagrange equations for the
system and, if possible, discuss the physical significance any of them might have.
Reduce the problem to a single second-order differential equation and obtain a
first integral of the equation. What is its physical significance? (Consider the
motion only until m1 reaches the hole.)
Answer:
The generalized coordinates for the system are θ, the angle m1 moves round
on the table, and r the length of the string from the hole to m1 . The whole
motion of the system can be described by just these coordinates. To write the
Lagrangian, we will want the kinetic and potential energies.
1 1
T = m2 ṙ2 + m1 (ṙ2 + r2 θ̇2 )
2 2
V = −m2 g(R − r)
The kinetic energy is just the addition of both masses, while V is obtained
so that V = −mgR when r = 0 and so that V = 0 when r = R.
1 1
L=T −V = (m2 + m1 )ṙ2 + m1 r2 θ̇2 + m2 g(R − r)
2 2
To find the Lagrangian equations or equations of motion, solve for each
component:
∂L
=0
∂θ
∂L
= m1 r2 θ̇
∂ θ̇
d ∂L d
= (m1 r2 θ̇) = m1 r2 θ̈ + 2m1 rṙθ̇
dt ∂ θ̇ dt
1
Thus
m1 r(rθ̈ + 2θ̇ṙ) = 0
and
∂L
= −m2 g + m1 rθ̇2
∂r
∂L
= (m2 + m1 )ṙ
∂ ṙ
d ∂L
= (m2 + m1 )r̈
dt ∂ ṙ
Thus
m2 g − m1 rθ̇2 + (m2 + m1 )r̈ = 0
d
(m1 r2 θ̇) = m1 r(rθ̈ + 2θ̇ṙ) = 0
dt
m2 g − m1 rθ̇2 + (m2 + m1 )r̈ = 0
d
See that m1 r2 θ̇ is constant, because dt (m1 r2 θ̇) = 0. It is angular momentum.
Now the Lagrangian can be put in terms of angular momentum and will lend the
problem to interpretation. We have θ̇ = l/m1 r2 , where l is angular momentum.
The equation of motion
m2 g − m1 rθ̇2 + (m2 + m1 )r̈ = 0

becomes
l2
(m1 + m2 )r̈ − + m2 g = 0
m1 r3
The problem has been reduced to a single non-linear second-order differential
equation. The next step is a nice one to notice. If you take the first integral
you get
1 l2
(m1 + m2 )ṙ2 + + m2 gr + C = 0
2 2m1 r2
To see this, check by assuming that C = −m2 gR:
d 1 l2 l2
( (m1 + m2 )ṙ2 + − m 2 g(R − r)) = (m1 + m2 )ṙr̈ − ṙ + m2 g ṙ = 0
dt 2 2m1 r2 m1 r3
l2
(m1 + m2 )r̈ − + m2 g = 0
m1 r3
Because this term is T plus V , this is the total energy, and because its time
derivative is constant, energy is conserved.
2
2.7 In Example 2 of Section 2.1 we considered the problem of the minimum
surface of revolution. Examine the symmetric case x1 = x2 , y2 = −y1 > 0,
and express the condition for the parameter a as a transcendental equation in
terms of the dimensionless quantities k = x2 /a, and α = y2 /x2 . Show that
for α greater than a certain value α0 two values of k are possible, for α = α0
only one value of k is possible, while if α < α0 no real value of k (or a) can be
found, so that no catenary solution exists in this region. Find the value of α0 ,
numerically if necessary.
Answer:
Starting with Goldstein’s form for a catenary, in section 2.2, not 2.1,
y−b
x = a cosh
a
and recognizing by symmetry that the soap film problem and the catenary
problem are the same. In Marion and Thorton this is made clear (pg 222).
Also, in a similar way to MathWorld’s analysis of a surface of revolution, it is
clear that y and x, when interchanged, change the shape of the catenary to be
about the x-axis.
x−b
y = a cosh
a
To preserve symmetry, x1 = −x2 and y2 = y1 . This switch makes sense
because if you hang a rope from two points, its going to hang between the
points with a droopy curve, and fall straight down after the points. This shaped
revolved around the x-axis looks like a horizontal worm hole. This is the classic
catenary curve, or catenoid shape. The two shapes are physically equivalent,
and take on different mathematical forms. With this, we see that
x1 − b x2 − b
y1 = a cosh y2 = a cosh
a a
holds. The two endpoints are (x0 , y0 ) and (−x0 , y0 ).
Thus
x0 − b −x0 − b
y0 = a cosh = a cosh
a a
and because
cosh(−x) = cosh(x)
we have
−x0 + b −x0 − b
cosh = cosh
a a
−x0 + b = −x0 − b
3
b = −b b=0
By symmetry, with the center of the shape or rings at the origin, b = 0,
simplifies the problem to a much nicer form:
x
y = a cosh
a
Including our end points:
x0
y0 = a cosh
a
In terms of the dimensionless quantities,
1
ρ = x2 /a β= = y2 /x2
α
,
the equation is
x0
y0 = a cosh
a
y0 a cosh ρ
=
x0 x0
y0 cosh(ρ)
=
x0 ρ
cosh(ρ)
β=
ρ
The minimum value of β in terms of ρ can be found by taking the derivative,
and setting to zero:
d 1 1 cosh ρ
0= ( cosh ρ) = sinh ρ −
dρ ρ ρ ρ2
cosh ρ
sinh ρ =
ρ
ρ = coth ρ
Thus, solved numerically, ρ ≈ 1.2. Plugging this in to find β0 , the value is:
β0 ≈ 1.51
Since
1
β0 =
α0
,
α0 ≈ .66
4
This symmetric but physically equivalent example is not what the problem
asked for, but I think its interesting. If we start at Goldstein’s equation, again,
only this time recognize b = 0 due to symmetry from the start, the solution
actually follows more quickly.
y
x = a cosh
a
x xy
= cosh
a ax
Using, the dimensional quantities defined in the problem,
x2 y2
k= α=
a x2
we have
k = cosh kα
Taking the derivative with respect to k,
1 = α0 sinh kα0
Using the hyperbolic identity,
cosh2 A − sinh2 A = 1
a more manageable expression in terms of k and α becomes apparent,
1
k2 − =1
α02
1
α0 = √
k2 −1
Plug this into k = cosh kα
k
k = cosh √
k2 − 1
Solving this numerically for k yields,
k ≈ 1.81
Since
1
α0 = √ ⇒ α0 ≈ .66
k2 −1
If α < α0 , two values of k are possible. If α > α0 , no real values of k exist,
but if α = α0 then only k ≈ 1.81 will work. This graph is arccosh(k)/k = α
and looks like a little hill. It can be graphed by typing acosh(x)/x on a free
applet at http://www.tacoma.ctc.edu/home/jkim/gcalc.html.
5
2.12 The term generalized mechanics has come to designate a variety of classical
mechanics in which the Lagrangian contains time derivatives of qi higher than
the first. Problems for which triple dot x = f (x, ẋ, ẍ, t) have been referred to
as ‘jerky’ mechanics. Such equations of motion have interesting applications
in chaos theory (cf. Chapter 11). By applying the mehtods of the calculus
of variations, show that if there is a Lagrangian of the form L(qi , q̇i q̈i , t), and
Hamilton’s principle holds with the zero variation of both qi and q̇i at the end
points, then the corresponding Euler-Lagrange equations are
d2 ∂L d ∂L ∂L
2
( )− ( )+ = 0, i = 1, 2, ..., n.
dt ∂ q̈i dt ∂ q̇i ∂qi
Apply this result to the Lagrangian
m k
q q̈ − q 2 L=−
2 2
Do you recognize the equations of motion?
Answer:
If there is a Lagrangian of the form
L = L(qi , q̇i , q̈i , t)

and Hamilton’s principle holds with the zero variation of both qi and q̇i at
the end points, then we have:
Z 2
I= L(qi , q̇i , q̈i , t)dt
1
and
Z 2
∂I X ∂L ∂qi ∂L ∂ q̇i ∂L ∂ q̈i
dα = ( dα + dα + dα)dt
∂α 1 i
∂q i ∂α i ∂ q̇ i ∂α i ∂ q̈i ∂αi
To make life easier, we’re going to assume the Einstein summation con-
vention, as well as drop the indexes entirely. In analogy with the differential
quantity, Goldstein Equation (2.12), we have
∂q
δq = dα
∂α
Applying this we have
Z 2
∂L ∂L ∂ q̇ ∂L ∂ q̈
δI = ( δq + dα + dα)dt
1 ∂q ∂ q̇ ∂α ∂ q̈ ∂α
6
The indexes are invisible and the two far terms are begging for some mathe-
matical manipulation. Integration by parts on the middle term yields, in analogy
to Goldstein page 44,
2 2 Z 2
∂L ∂ 2 q
Z
∂L ∂q ∂q d ∂L
dt = − ( )dt
1 ∂ q̇ ∂α∂t ∂ q̇ ∂α 1 1 ∂α dt ∂ q̇
This first term on the right is zero because the condition exists that all the
varied curves pass through the fixed end points and thus the partial derivative
of q wrt to α at x1 and x2 vanish. Substituting back in, we have:
Z 2
∂L d ∂L ∂L ∂ q̈
δI = ( δq − δq + dα)dt
1 ∂q dt ∂ q̇ ∂ q̈ ∂α
∂q
Where we used the definition δq = ∂α dα again. Now the last term needs
attention. This requires integration by parts twice. Here goes:
2 2 Z 2 2
∂L ∂ 2 q
Z
∂L ∂ q̈ ∂ q d ∂L
∂ q̈ ∂α
dt =
∂ q̈ ∂t∂α − ∂t∂α
(
dt ∂ q̈
)dt
1 1 1
R R
Where we used vdu = uv − vdu as before. The first term vanishes once
again, and we are still left with another integration by parts problem. Turn the
crank again.
2 2 Z 2
∂ 2 q d ∂L ∂q d2 ∂L
Z
d ∂L ∂q
− ( )dt = − − dt
1 ∂t∂α dt ∂ q̈ dt ∂ q̈ ∂α 1 1 ∂α dt2 ∂ q̈
First term vanishes for the third time, and we have
2 2
∂q d2 ∂L
Z Z
∂L ∂ q̈
dt = dt
1 ∂ q̈ ∂α 1 ∂α dt2 ∂ q̈
Plugging back in finally, and using the definition of our δq, we get closer
2
d2 ∂L
Z
∂L d ∂L
δI = ( δq − δq + 2 δq)dt
1 ∂q dt ∂ q̇ dt ∂ q̈
Gathering δq’s, throwing our summation sign and index’s back in, and ap-
plying Hamiliton’s principle:
2
d2 ∂L
Z X ∂L d ∂L
δI = ( − + 2 )δqi dt = 0
1 i
∂qi dt ∂ q̇i dt ∂ q̈i
We know that since q variables are independent, the variations δqi are in-
dependent and we can apply the calculus of variations lemma, (Goldstein, Eq.
2.10) and see that δI = 0 requires that the coefficients of δqi separately vanish,
one by one:
∂L d ∂L d2 ∂L
− + 2 =0 i = 1, 2, ...n.
∂qi dt ∂ q̇i dt ∂ q̈i
7
Applying this result to the Lagrangian,
1 k
L = − mq q̈ − q 2
2 2
yields
∂L 1
= − mq̈ − kq
∂q 2
d ∂L
− =0
dt ∂ q̇
d2 ∂L d d 1 d 1 1
= ( (− mq)) = (− mq̇) = − mq̈
dt2 ∂ q̈ dt dt 2 dt 2 2
Adding them up:
−mq̈ − kq = 0
This is interesting because this equation of motion is just Hooke’s Law. This
crazy looking Lagrangian yields the same equation for simple harmonic motion
using the ‘jerky’ form of Lagrangian’s equations. It’s interesting to notice that
if the familiar Lagrangian for a simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) plus an extra
term is used, the original Lagrangian can be obtained.
d mq q̇
L = LSHO + (− )
dt 2
mq̇ 2 kq 2 d mq q̇
L= − + (− )
2 2 dt 2
mq̇ 2 kq 2 mq q̈ mq̇ 2
L= − − −
2 2 2 2
mq q̈ kq 2
L=− −
2 2
This extra term, dt d
(− mq q̇
2 ) probably represents constraint. The generalized
force of constraint is the Lagrange multipliers term that is added to the original
form of Lagrange’s equations.
8
Homework 3: # 2.13, 2.14
Michael Good
Sept 10, 2004
2.13 A heavy particle is placed at the top of a vertical hoop. Calculate the
reaction of the hoop on the particle by means of the Lagrange’s undetermined
multipliers and Lagrange’s equations. Find the height at which the particle falls
off.
Answer:
The Lagrangian is
1
L=T −V ⇒ L= m(ṙ2 + r2 θ̇2 ) − mgr cos θ
2
Where r is the distance the particle is away from the center of the hoop. The
particle will eventually fall off but while its on the hoop, r will equal the radius
of the hoop, a. This will be the constraint on the particle. Here when θ = 0, (at
the top of the hoop) potential energy is mgr, and when θ = 90o (at half of the
hoop) potential energy is zero. Using Lagrange’s equations with undetermined
multipliers,
∂L d ∂L X ∂fk
− + λ =0
∂qj dt ∂ q̇j ∂qj
k
with our equation of constraint, f = r = a as long as the particle is touching

the hoop. Solving for the motion:
d ∂L
= mr̈
dt ∂ ṙ
∂L
= mrθ̇2 − mg cos θ
∂r
∂fr
λ =λ∗1
∂r
thus
−mr̈ + mrθ̇2 − mg cos θ + λ = 0

solving for the other equation of motion,
1
d ∂L
= mr2 θ̈ + 2mrṙθ̇
dt ∂ θ̇
∂L
= mgr sin θ
∂θ
∂fθ
λ =λ∗0
∂θ
thus
−mr2 θ̈ − 2mrṙθ̇ + mgr sin θ = 0

The equations of motion together are:
−mr̈ + mrθ̇2 − mg cos θ + λ = 0
−mr2 θ̈ − 2mrṙθ̇ + mgr sin θ = 0

To find the height at which the particle drops off, λ can be found in terms
of θ. The force of constraint is λ and λ = 0 when the particle is no longer under
the influence of the force of the hoop. So finding λ in terms of θ and setting λ
to zero will give us the magic angle that the particle falls off. With the angle
we can find the height above the ground or above the center of the hoop that
the particle stops maintaining contact with the hoop.
With the constraint, the equations of motion become,
maθ̇2 − mg cos θ + λ = 0
−ma2 θ̇ + mga sin θ = 0
Solving for θ, the m’s cancel and 1 a cancels, we are left with
g
sin θ = θ̈
a
solving this and noting that
θ̇dθ̇ = θ̈dθ
by the ‘conservation of dots’ law Engel has mentioned :), or by
d dθ dθ̇ dθ̇ dθ dθ̇

θ̈ = = = = θ̇
dt dt dt dθ dt dθ
Z Z
g
sin θdθ = θ̇dθ̇
a
g θ̇2
− cos θ = + constant
a 2
The constant is easily found because at the top of the hoop, θ = 0 and θ̇ = 0
at t = 0 so,
2
2g 2g
− cos θ + = θ̇2
a a
Plug this into our first equation of motion to get an equation dependent only
on θ and λ
2g 2g
ma[− cos θ + ] − mg cos θ = −λ
a a
−3mg cos θ + 2mg = −λ

Setting λ = 0 because this is at the point where the particle feels no force
from the hoop, and θ0 equals
2
θ0 = cos−1 ( ) = 48.2o
3
And if our origin is at the center of the hope, then the height that it stops
touching the hoop is just R cos θ0 or
2 2
h = R cos(cos−1 ) = R
3 3
.
If we say the hoop is a fully circular and somehow fixed with the origin at
the bottom of the hoop, then we have just moved down by R and the new height
is
2 5
H =R+ R= R
3 3
2.14 A uniform hoop of mass m and radius r rolls without slipping on a fixed
cylinder of radius R as shown in figure. The only external force is that of gravity.
If the smaller cylinder starts rolling from rest on top of the bigger cylinder, use
the method of Lagrange multipliers to find the point at which the hoop falls off
the cylinder.
Answer:
Two equations of constraint:
ρ=r+R r(φ − θ) = Rθ
My generalized coordinates are ρ, θ, and φ. The first equation comes from
the fact that as long as the hoop is touching the cylinder the center of mass of
the hoop is exactly r + R away from the center of the cylinder. I’m calling it
f1 . The second one comes from no slipping:
rφ = s → s = (R + r)θ
rφ − rθ = Rθ
3
r(φ − θ) = Rθ
Where θ is the angle ρ makes with the vertical and φ is the angle r makes
with the vertical. I’m calling this equation f2 .
f1 = ρ − r − R = 0 f2 = Rθ − rφ + rθ = 0
The Lagrangian is T − V where T is the kinetic energy of the hoop about
the cylinder and the kinetic energy of the hoop about its center of mass. The
potential energy is the height above the center of the cylinder. Therefore
m 2
L= (ρ̇ + ρ2 θ̇2 + r2 φ̇2 ) − mgρ cos θ
2
Solving for the equations of motion:
d ∂L ∂L X ∂fk
− = λk
dt ∂ ρ̇ ∂ρ ∂ρ
k
∂f1 ∂f2
mρ̈ − mρθ̇2 + mg cos θ = λ1 + λ2
∂ρ ∂ρ
mρ̈ − mρθ̇2 + mg cos θ = λ1 (1)
d ∂L ∂L X ∂fk
− = λk
dt ∂ θ̇ ∂θ ∂θ
k
d ∂f1 ∂f2
(mρ2 θ̇) − (−mgρ sin θ) = λ1 + λ2
dt ∂θ ∂θ
mρ2 θ̈ + θ̇2mρρ̇ + mgρ sin θ = λ1 (0) + λ2 (R + r)
mρ2 θ̈ + 2mρρ̇θ̇ + mgρ sin θ = λ2 (R + r) (2)
d ∂L ∂L X ∂fk
− = λk
dt ∂ φ̇ ∂φ ∂φ
k
d ∂f1 ∂f2
(mr2 φ̇) − 0 = λ1 + λ2
dt ∂φ ∂φ
mr2 φ̈ = −λ2 r (3)

I want the angle θ. This will tell me the point that the hoop drops off the
cylinder. So I’m going to apply the constraints to my equations of motion,
attempt to get an equation for θ, and then set λ1 equal to zero because that
will be when the force of the cylinder on the hoop is zero. This will tell me the
value of θ. Looking for an equation in terms of only θ and λ1 will put me in the
right position.
The constraints tell me:
4
ρ=r+R → ρ̇ = ρ̈ = 0
R+r R+r R+r

φ= θ → φ̇ = θ̇ → φ̈ = θ̈
r r r
Solving (3) using the constraints,
mr2 φ̈ = −λ2 r
λ2
θ̈ = − (4)
m(R + r)
Solving (2) using the constraints,
m(R + r)θ̈ + mg sin θ = λ2

λ2 − mg sin θ
θ̈ = (5)
m(R + r)
Setting (4) = (5)
−λ2 = λ2 − mg sin θ
mg
λ2 = sin θ (6)
2
Plugging (6) into (4) yields a differential equation for θ
−g
θ̈ = sin θ
2(R + r)
If I solve this for θ̇2 I can place it in equation of motion (1) and have an
expression in terms of θ and λ1 . This differential equation can be solved by
trying this:
θ̇2 = A + B cos θ
Taking the derivative,
2θ̇θ̈ = −B sin θθ̇

B
θ̈ = − sin θ
2
Thus
q
B=−
R+r
From initial conditions, θ = 0, θ̇ = 0 at t = 0 we have A:
q
A = −B → A=
R+r
5
Therefore
q q
θ̇2 = − cos θ
R+r R+r
Now we are in a position to plug this into equation of motion (1) and have
the equation in terms of θ and λ1
q q
−m(R + r)( − cos θ) + mg cos θ = λ1
R+r R+r
−mg + 2mg cos θ = λ1
mg(2 cos θ − 1) = λ1
Setting the force of constraint equal to zero will give us the angle that the
hoop no longer feels a force from the cylinder:
2 cos θ0 − 1 = 0
1
cos θ0 = → θ0 = 60o
2
With our origin at the center of the cylinder, the height that the center of
mass of the hoop falls off is
1
hcm = ρ cos(60o ) = ρ
2
Or if you prefer the height that the hoop’s surface stops contact with cylin-
der:
1
h= R
2
.
6
Homework 4: # 2.18, 2.21, 3.13, 3.14, 3.20
Michael Good
Sept 20, 2004
2.18 A point mass is constrained to move on a massless hoop of radius a fixed

in a vertical plane that rotates about its vertical symmetry axis with constant
angular speed ω. Obtain the Lagrange equations of motion assuming the only
external forces arise from gravity. What are the constants of motion? Show
that if ω is greater than a critical value ω0 , there can be a solution in which
the particle remains stationary on the hoop at a point other than the bottom,
but if ω < ω0 , the only stationary point for the particle is at the bottom of the
hoop. What is the value of ω0 ?
Answer:
To obtain the equations of motion, we need to find the Lagrangian. We only

need one generalized coordinate, because the radius of the hoop is constant,
and the point mass is constrained to this radius, while the angular velocity, w
is constant as well.
1
L= ma2 (θ̇2 + ω 2 sin2 θ) − mga cos θ
2
Where the kinetic energy is found by spherical symmetry, and the potential
energy is considered negative at the bottom of the hoop, and zero where the
vertical is at the center of the hoop. My θ is the angle from the z-axis, and a is
the radius.
The equations of motion are then:
d ∂L ∂L
− =0
dt ∂ θ̇ ∂θ
ma2 θ̈ = ma2 ω 2 sin θ cos θ + mga sin θ

We see that the Lagrangian does not explicitly depend on time therefore the
energy function, h, is conserved (Goldstein page 61).
∂L
h = θ̇ −L
∂ θ̇
1
h = θ̇ma2 θ̇ − ma2 (θ̇2 + ω 2 sin2 θ) − mga cos θ
2
1
This simplifies to:
1 1
h= ma2 θ̇ − ( ma2 ω 2 sin2 θ − mga cos θ)
2 2
Because the ‘energy function’ has an identical value to the Hamiltonian, the
effective potential is the second term,
1
Vef f = mga cos θ − ma2 ω 2 sin2 θ
2
The partial of Vef f with respect to θ set equal to zero should give us a
stationary point.
∂Vef f
= mga sin θ + ma2 ω 2 sin θ cos θ = 0
∂θ
ma sin θ(g + aω 2 cos θ) = 0

This yields three values for θ to obtain a stationary point,
g
θ=0 θ=π θ = arccos(− )
aω 2
At the top, the bottom, and some angle that suggests a critical value of ω.
r
g
ω0 =
a
The top of the hoop is unstable, but at the bottom we have a different story.
If I set ω = ω0 and graph the potential, the only stable minimum is at θ = π, the
bottom. Therefore anything ω < ω0 , θ = π is stable, and is the only stationary
point for the particle.
If we speed up this hoop, ω > ω0 , our angle
ω02
θ = arccos(− )
ω2
is stable and θ = π becomes unstable. So the point mass moves up the hoop,
to a nice place where it is swung around and maintains a stationary orbit.
2
2.21 A carriage runs along rails on a rigid beam, as shown in the figure below.
The carriage is attached to one end of a spring of equilibrium length r0 and force
constant k, whose other end is fixed on the beam. On the carriage, another set
of rails is perpendicular to the first along which a particle of mass m moves,
held by a spring fixed on the beam, of force constant k and zero equilibrium
length. Beam, rails, springs, and carriage are assumed to have zero mass. The
whole system is forced to move in a plane about the point of attachment of the
first spring, with a constant angular speed ω. The length of the second spring
is at all times considered small compared to r0 .
• What is the energy of the system? Is it conserved?

• Using generalized coordinates in the laboratory system, what is the Jacobi
integral for the system? Is it conserved?
• In terms of the generalized coordinates relative to a system rotating with
the angular speed ω, what is the Lagrangian? What is the Jacobi integral?
Is it conserved? Discuss the relationship between the two Jacobi integrals.
Answer:
Energy of the system is found by the addition of kinetic and potential parts.
The kinetic, in the lab frame, (x, y), using Cartesian coordinates is
1
T (x, y) = m(ẋ2 + ẏ 2 )
2
Potential energy is harder to write in lab frame. In the rotating frame, the
system looks stationary, and its potential energy is easy to write down. I’ll use
(r, l) to denote the rotating frame coordinates. The potential, in the rotating
frame is
1
V (r, l) = k(r2 + l2 )
2
Where r is simply the distance stretched from equilibrium for the large
spring. Since the small spring has zero equilbrium length, then the potential
energy for it is just 12 kl2 .
The energy needs to be written down fully in one frame or the other, so
I’ll need a pair of transformation equations relating the two frames. That is,
relating (x, y) to (r, l). Solving for them, by drawing a diagram, yields
x = (r0 + r) cos ωt − l sin ωt

y = (r0 + r) sin ωt + l cos ωt
Manipulating these so I may find r(x, y) and l(x, y) so as to write the stub-
born potential energy in terms of the lab frame is done with some algebra.
3
Multiplying x by cos ωt and y by sin ωt, adding the two equations and solving
for r yields
r = x cos ωt + y sin ωt − r0
Multiplying x by sin and y by cos, adding and solving for l yields
l = −x sin ωt + y cos ωt
Plugging these values into the potential energy to express it in terms of the
lab frame leaves us with
1 1
E(x, y) = m(ẋ2 + ẏ 2 ) + k((x cos ωt + y sin ωt − r0 )2 + (−x sin ωt + y cos ωt)2 )
2 2
This energy is explicitly dependent on time. Thus it is NOT conserved in
the lab frame. E(x, y) is not conserved.
In the rotating frame this may be a different story. To find E(r, l) we are
lucky to have an easy potential energy term, but now our kinetic energy is giving
us problems. We need
1
E(r, l) = T (r, l) + k(l2 + r2 )
2
Where in the laboratory frame, T (x, y) = 21 (ẋ2 + ẏ 2 ). Taking derivatives of
x and y yield
ẋ = −ω(r0 + r) sin ωt + ṙ cos ωt − lω cos ωt − l˙ sin ωt

ẏ = ω(r0 + r) cos ωt + ṙ sin ωt − lω sin ωt − l˙ cos ωt
Squaring both and adding them yields
ẋ2 + ẏ 2 = ω 2 (r0 + r)2 ṙ2 + l2 ω 2 + l˙2 + C.T.

Where cross terms, C.T. are
C.T. = 2ω(r0 + r)l˙ − 2ṙlω

For kinetic energy we know have
1
T (r, l) =m(ω 2 (r0 + r)2 ṙ2 + l2 ω 2 + l˙2 + 2ω(r0 + r)l˙ − 2ṙlω)
2
Collecting terms
1 l˙
T (r, l) = m(ω 2 (r0 + r + )2 + (ṙ − lω)2 )
2 ω
Thus
4
1 l˙ 1
E(r, l) = m(ω 2 (r0 + r + )2 + (ṙ − lω)2 ) + k(l2 + r2 )
2 ω 2
This has no explicit time dependence, therefore energy in the rotating frame
is conserved. E(r, l) is conserved.
In the laboratory frame, the Lagrangian is just T (x, y) − V (x, y).

1
L(x, y) = m(ẋ2 + ẏ 2 ) − V (x, y)
2
Where
1
V (x, y) = k((x cos ωt + y sin ωt − r0 )2 + (−x sin ωt + y cos ωt)2 )
2
The Jacobi integral, or energy function is
X ∂L
h= q̇i −L
i
∂ q̇i
We have
∂L ∂L
h = ẋ + ẏ − L(x, y)
∂ ẋ ∂ ẏ
1
h = ẋmẋ + ẏmẏ − m(ẋ2 + ẏ 2 ) + V (x, y)
2
Notice that V (x, y) does not have any dependence on ẋ or ẏ. Bringing it
together
1 1
h= m(ẋ2 + ẏ 2 ) + k((x cos ωt + y sin ωt − r0 )2 + (−x sin ωt + y cos ωt)2 )
2 2
This is equal to the energy.
h(x, y) = E(x, y)
Because it is dependent on time,
d ∂L
h=− 6= 0
dt ∂t
we know h(x, y) is not conserved in the lab frame.
For the rotating frame, the Lagrangian is

1
L(r, l) = T (r, l) − k(r2 + l2 )
2
5
Where
1 l˙
m(ω 2 (r0 + r + )2 + (ṙ − lω)2 )
T (r, l) =
2 ω
The energy function, or Jacobi integral is
∂L ˙ ∂L
h(r, l) = ṙ +l − L(r, l)
∂ ṙ ∂ l˙
˙ l˙
h(r, l) = ṙm(ṙ − lω) + lmω(r 0+r+ ) − L(r, l)
ω
Collecting terms, with some heavy algebra
1 l˙ ˙
˙ 1 mω 2 (r0 +r+ l ))+ 1 k(l2 +r2 )
h = (ṙ−lω)(mṙ− m(ṙ−lω))+(r0 +r+ )(mω l−
2 ω 2 ω 2
mṙ 1 l˙ 1 1 1
h = (ṙ − lω)( + mlω) + (r0 + r + )( mω l˙ − mω 2 (r0 + r)) + k(l2 + r2 )
2 2 ω 2 2 2
More algebraic manipulation in order to get terms that look like kinetic
energy,
1 1 1
h= m(ṙ2 +l˙2 )+ k(l2 +r2 )+ [ṙmlω−lωmṙ−ml2 ω 2 +(r0 +r)mω l−mω
˙ 2 ˙ 0 +r)]
(r0 +r)2 −mω l(r
2 2 2
Yields
1 1 1
h(r, l) = m(ṙ2 + l˙2 ) + k(l2 + r2 ) − mω 2 (l2 + (r0 + r)2 )
2 2 2
This has no time dependence, and this nice way of writing it reveals an
energy term of rotation in the lab frame that can’t be seen in the rotating
frame. It is of the from E = − 21 Iω 2 .
d ∂L
h=− =0
dt ∂t
We have h(r, l) conserved in the rotating frame.
6
3.13
• Show that if a particle describes a circular orbit under the influence of
an attractive central force directed toward a point on the circle, then the
force varies as the inverse-fifth power of the distance.
• Show that for orbit described the total energy of the particle is zero.
• Find the period of the motion.
• Find ẋ, ẏ and v as a function of angle around the circle and show that
all three quantities are infinite as the particle goes through the center of
force.
Answer:
Using the differential equation of the orbit, equation (3.34) in Goldstein,
d2 m d 1
2
u+u=− 2 V( )
dθ l du u
Where r = 1/u and with the origin at a point on the circle, a triangle drawn
with r being the distance the mass is away from the origin will reveal
r = 2R cos θ
1
u=
2R cos θ
Plugging this in and taking the derivative twice,
d 1 sin θ
u= [− cos−2 θ(− sin θ)] =
dθ 2R 2R cos2 θ
The derivative of this is
d sin θ 1
= [sin θ(−2 cos−3 θ)(− sin θ) + cos−2 θ cos θ]
dθ 2R cos2 θ 2R
Thus
d2 1 2 sin2 θ cos2 θ 1 + sin2 θ

u = [ + ] =
dθ2 2R cos3 θ cos3 θ 2R cos3 θ
d2 1 + sin2 θ cos2 θ 2
2
u + u = 3
+ =
dθ 2R cos θ 2R cos3 θ 2R cos3 θ
That is
8R2
= 8R2 u3
8R3 cos3 θ
Solving for V ( u1 ) by integrating yields,
7
1 8R2 l2 4
V( )=− u
u 4m
and we have
2l2 R2
V (r) = −
mr4
with force equal to
d 8l2 R2
f (r) = − V (r) = −
dr mr5
This force is inversely proportional to r5 .
Is the energy zero? Well, we know V (r), lets find T (r) and hope its the
negative of V (r).
1
T = m(ṙ2 + r2 θ̇2 )
2
Where
r = 2R cos θ → ṙ = −2R sin θθ̇
r2 = 4R2 cos2 θ ṙ2 = 4R2 sin2 θ̇2

So, plugging these in,
1
T = m(4R2 sin2 θθ̇2 + 4R2 cos2 θθ̇2 )
2
m4Rθ̇2
T = = 2mR2 θ̇2
2
Put this in terms of angular momentum, l,
l = mr2 θ̇
l2 = m2 r4 θ̇2
2R2 l2
T = 2mR2 θ̇2 → T =
mr4
Which shows that
2R2 l2 2R2 l2
E =T +V = − =0
mr4 mr4
the total energy is zero.
The period of the motion can be thought of in terms of θ as r spans from

θ = − π2 to θ = π2 .
8
Z π Z π
2 2 dt
P = dt = dθ
−π
2 −π
2
dθ
This is
Z π
2 dθ
P =
−π
2
θ̇
Because θ̇ = l/mr2 in terms of angular momentum, we have
π
mr2
Z 2
P = dθ
−π
2
l
Z π
m 2
P = r2 dθ
l −π
2
From above we have r2

Z π
m 2
P = 4R2 cos2 θdθ
l −π
2
π π2
4mR2 4mR2 θ 1 4mR2 π π
Z 2
2

P = cos θdθ = ( + sin 2θ ) = ( + )
l −π
2
l 2 4 −π l 4 4
2
And finally,
2mπR2
P =
l
For ẋ, ẏ, and v as a function of angle, it can be shown that all three quantities
are infinite as particle goes through the center of force. Remembering that
r = 2R cos θ,
x = r cos θ = 2R cos2 θ
y = r sin θ = 2R cos θ sin θ = R sin 2θ
Finding their derivatives,
ẋ = −4R cos θ sin θ = −2Rθ̇ sin 2θ
ẏ = 2Rθ̇ cos 2θ
p
v= ẋ2 + ẏ 2 = 2Rθ̇
What is θ̇? In terms of angular momentum we remember
9
l = mr2 θ̇
Plugging in our r, and solving for θ̇
l
θ̇ =
4mR2
cos2 θ
As we got closer to the origin, θ becomes close to ± π2 .
π
θ = ±( − δ)
2
Note that as
π
δ→0 θ→± θ̇ → ∞
2
All ẋ, ẏ and v are directly proportional to the θ̇ term. The ẋ may be
questionable at first because it has a sin 2θ and when sin 2θ → 0 as θ → π/2 we
may be left with ∞ ∗ 0. But looking closely at θ̇ we can tell that
−4Rl cos θ sin θ l
ẋ = =− tan θ
4mR2 cos2 θ mR
π
tan θ → ∞ as θ → ±
2
2.14
• For circular and parabolic orbits in an attractive 1/r potential having the
same angular momentum, show that perihelion distance of the parabola
is one-half the radius of the circle.
• Prove that in the same central force
√ as above, the speed of a particle at
any point in a parabolic orbit is 2 times the speed in a circular orbit
passing through the same point.
Answer:
Using the equation of orbit, Goldstein equation 3.55,

1 mk
= 2 [1 + cos(θ − θ0 )]
r l
we have for the circle, = 0
1 mk l2
= 2 → rc =
rc l mk
For the parabola, = 1
1 mk l2
= 2 (1 + 1) → rp =
rp l 2mk
10
So
rc
rp =
2
The speed of a particle in a circular orbit is
l2 l
vc2 = r2 θ̇2 → vc2 = r2 ( ) → vc =
m2 r 4 mr
In terms of k, this is equal to
√ r
l mrk k
= =
mr mr mr
The speed of a particle in a parabola can be found by
vp2 = ṙ2 + r2 θ̇2
d l2 l2 θ̇
ṙ = ( )= sin θ
dt mk(1 + cos θ) mk(1 + cos θ)2
Solving for vp ,
sin2 θ
vp2 = r2 θ̇2 ( + 1)
(1 + cos θ)2
2 + 2 cos θ
vp2 = r2 θ̇2 ( )
(1 + cos θ)2
2r2 θ̇2
vp2 =
1 + cos θ
Using r for a parabola from Goldstein’s (3.55), and not forgetting that k =
l2 /mr,
l2 l2
r= → θ̇2 = 2 4
mk(1 + cos θ) m r
we have
2r2 l2 mkr 2k
vp2 = → vp2 =
m2 r4 l2 mr
For the speed of the parabola, we then have
r
√ k
vp = 2
mr
Thus
√
vp = 2vc
11
20. A uniform distribution of dust in the solar system adds to the gravitational
attraction of the Sun on a planet an additional force
F = −mCr
where m is the mas of the planet, C is a constant proportional to the gravi-

tational constant and the density of the dust, and r is the radius vector from
the Sun to the planet(both considered as points). This additional force is very
small compared to the direct Sun-planet gravitational force.
• Calculate the period for a circular orbit of radius r0 of the planet in this
combined field.
• Calculate the period of radial oscillations for slight disturbances from the
circular orbit.
• Show that nearly circular orbits can be approximated by a precessing
ellipse and find the precession frequency. Is the precession in the same or
opposite direction to the orbital angular velocity?
Answer:
The equation for period is

2π
T =
θ̇
For a circular orbit,
l
θ̇ =
mr2
Thus
2πmr2
T =
l
Goldstein’s equation after (3.58):
k l2
=
r02 mr03
In our case, we have an added force due to the dust,
k l2
mCr0 + 2 =
r0 mr03
Solving for l yields
q
l= mr0 k + m2 Cr04
12
Plugging this in to our period,
2πmr2 2π
T =p → T =q
mr0 k + m2 Cr04 k
+C
mr03
Here the orbital angular velocity is

r
k
ωorb = +C
mr3
This is nice because if the dust was not there, we would have C = 0 and our
period would be
s
2π k
T0 = q → ω0 = 2
k
2
mr 0
mr0
√
which agrees with l = mr02 ω0 and l = mrk.
The period of radial oscillations for slight disturbances from the circular
orbit can be calculated by finding β. β is the number of cycles of oscillation
that the particle goes through in one complete orbit. Dividing our orbital period
by β will give us the period of the oscillations.
T
Tosc =
β
Equation (3.45) in Goldstein page 90, states that for small deviations from
circularity conditions,
1
u≡ = u0 + a cos βθ
r
Substitution of this into the force law gives equation (3.46)

2 r df
β =3+
f dr r=r0
Solve this with f = mCr + k/r2
df 2k
= − 3 + mC
dr r
− 2k
r 3 + mC
β2 = 3 + r k
r2 + mCr
k k
r 2 + 4mCr mr 3 + 4C
β2 = k
→ β2 = k
r 2 + mCr mr 3 + C
Now
13
q
k
T mr 3 + 4C
Tosc = β= q
β k
+C
mr 3
Therefore, our period of radial oscillations is

2π
Tosc = q
k
mr 3 + 4C
Here
r
k
ωr = + 4C
mr3
A nearly circular orbit can be approximated by a precessing ellipse. The
equation for an elliptical orbit is
a(1 − e2 )
r=
1 + e cos(θ − θ0
with e << 1, for a nearly circular orbit, a precessing ellipse will hug closely
to the circle that would be made by e = 0.
To find the precession frequency, I’m going to subtract the orbital angular
velocity from the radial angular velocity,
ωprec = ωr − ωorb
r r
k k
ωprec = + 4C − +C
mr3 mr3
Fixing this up so as to use the binomial expansion,
r r r
k 4Cmr3 Cmr3
ωprec = 3
( 1+ − 1+ )
mr k k
Using the binomial expansion,
r r
k 2Cmr3 Cmr3 k 2Cmr3 Cmr3
ωprec = [1 + − (1 + )] = [ − ]
mr3 k 2k mr3 k 2k
r r r
k 4Cmr3 − Cmr3 3Cmr3 k 3C mr3
ωprec = 3
= =
mr 2k 2k mr3 2 k
Therefore,
14
3C 3C
ωprec = → fprec =
2ω0 4πω0
Because the radial oscillations take on a higher angular velocity than the
orbital angular velocity, the orbit is very nearly circular but the radial extrema
comes a tiny bit more than once per period. This means that the orbit precesses
opposite the direction of the orbital motion.
Another way to do it, would be to find change in angle for every oscillation,
2π
∆θ = 2π −
β
Using the ratios,
2π
Tprec =
Tosc
∆θ
With some mean algebra, the period of precession is
4π 1
Tprec = k
q
+C k
mr 3
1− k
+4C mr 3 + 4c
mr 3
q
k
4π( mr 3 + 4C)
r
4π k
Tprec = k k
= + 4C
mr 3 + 4C − ( mr 3 + C) 3C mr3
Because C is very small compared to k, the approximation holds,
r
4π k
Tprec ≈
3C mr3
Therefore,
4π 3C 3C
Tprec = ω0 → fprec = → ωprec =
3C 4πω0 2ω0
q
k
where ω0 = mr 3 .
15
Homework 5: # 3.31, 3.32, 3.7a
Michael Good
Sept 27, 2004
3.7a Show that the angle of recoil of the target particle relative to the incident
direction of the scattered particle is simply Φ = 21 (π − Θ).
Answer:
It helps to draw a figure for this problem. I don’t yet know how to do this
in LATEX, but I do know that in the center of mass frame both the particles
momentum are equal.
m1 v10 = m2 v20
Where the prime indicates the CM frame. If you take equation (3.2) Gold-
stein, then its easy to understand the equation after (3.110) for the relationship
of the relative speed v after the collision to the speed in the CM system.
µ m2
v10 = v= v
m1 m1 + m2
Here, v is the relative speed after the collision, but as Goldstein mentions
because elastic collisions conserve kinetic energy, (I’m assuming this collision
is elastic even though it wasn’t explicitly stated), we have v = v0 , that is the
relative speed after collision is equal to the initial velocity of the first particle
in the laboratory frame ( the target particle being stationary).
m2
v10 = v0
m1 + m2
This equation works the same way for v20
m1
v20 = v0
m1 + m2
From conservation of momentum, we know that the total momentum in the
CM frame is equal to the incident(and thus total) momentum in the laboratory
frame.
(m1 + m2 )vcm = m1 v0
We see
1
m1
vcm = v0
m1 + m2
This is the same as v20
v20 = vcm
If we draw both frames in the same diagram, we can see an isosceles triangle
where the two equal sides are v20 and vcm .
Φ+Φ+Θ=π
1
Φ= (π − Θ)
2
3.31 Examine the scattering produced by a repulsive central force f + kr−3 .

Show that the differential cross section is given by
k (1 − x)dx
σ(Θ)dΘ =
2E x2 (2 − −x)2 sin πx
where x is the ratio of Θ/π and E is the energy.
Answer:
The differential cross section is given by Goldstein (3.93):

s ds
σ(Θ) =
sin Θ dΘ
We must solve for s, and ds/dΘ. Lets solve for Θ(s) first, take its derivative
with respect to s, and invert it to find ds/dΘ. We can solve for Θ(s) by using
Goldstein (3.96):
Z ∞
sdr
Θ(s) = π − 2 q
rm r r 2 (1 − V (r) ) − s2
E
What is V (r) for our central force of f = k/r3 ? It’s found from −dV /dr = f .
k
V (r) =
2r2
2
Plug this in to Θ and we have
Z ∞
sdr
Θ(s) = π − 2 q
k
rm r r2 − (s2 + 2E )
Before taking this integral, I’d like to put it in a better form. If we look at
the energy of the incoming particle,
1 2 2 k s2 E k
E= mrm θ̇ + 2 = 2 + 2
2 2rm rm 2rm
where from Goldstein page 113,
2s2 E
θ̇2 = 4
mrm
k
We can solve for s2 + 2E , the term in Θ,
2 k
rm = s2 +
2E
Now we are in a better position to integrate,
Z ∞ ∞
sdr 1 −1 rm
1 π s
Θ(s) = π−2 p = π−2s [ cos ] = π−2s ( ) = π(1− q )
rm
2 2
r r − rm r m r
rm r m 2 s2 + k
2E
Goldstein gave us x = Θ/π, so now we have an expression for x in terms of

s, lets solve for s
Θ s
x= =1− q
π s2 + k
2E
k
k (1 − x)2
s2 = (s2 + )(1 − x)2 → s2 = 2E
2E 1 − (1 − x)2
r
k (1 − x)
s= p
2E x(2 − x)
Now that we have s we need only ds/dΘ to find the cross section. Solving
dΘ/ds and then taking the inverse,
dΘ 1 k −3 π
= πs(− (s2 + ) 2 )2s + q
ds 2 2E s2 + k
2E
k πk
dΘ −πs2 + π(s2 + 2E ) 2E
= k 32
= k 32
ds (s2 + 2E ) (s2 + 2E )
So
3
k 32
ds 2E(s2 + 2E )
=
dΘ πk
Putting everything in terms of x,
k k (1 − x)2 k k 1
s2 + = + =
2E 2E x(2 − x) 2E 2E x(2 − x)
So now,
q q
k √(1−x) k 32
k √(1−x) k
2E( 2E 1 3
2E(s2 + x(2−x) )

2E )
s ds 2E x(2−x) 2E x(2−x)
2
σ(Θ) = = = =
sin Θ dΘ sin πx πk sin πx πk
And this most beautiful expression becomes..
1 1 k 1 2E k 3 1 − x 1
σ(Θ) = ( )2 ( )( )2 p 3
sin πx π 2E k 2E x(2 − x) (x(2 − x)) 2
After a bit more algebra...
k 1 1 1−x
σ(Θ) =
2E π sin πx (x(2 − x))2
And since we know dΘ = πdx,
k (1 − x)dx
σ(Θ)dΘ =
2E x (2 − x)2 sin πx
2
3.32 A central force potential frequently encountered in nuclear physics is the

rectangular well, defined by the potential
V =0 r>a
V = −V0 r≤a
Show that the scattering produced by such a potential in classical mechanics is
identical with the refraction of light rays by a sphere of radius a and relative
index of refraction
r
E + V0
n=
E
This equivalence demonstrates why it was possible to explain refraction phe-
nomena both by Huygen’s waves and by Newton’s mechanical corpuscles. Show
also that the differential cross section is
n2 a2 (n cos Θ Θ
2 − 1)(n − cos 2 )
σ(Θ) = Θ Θ
4 cos 2 (1 + n2 − 2n cos 2 )2
What is the total cross section?
4
Answer:
Ignoring the first part of the problem, and just solving for the differential
cross section,
sds
σ(Θ) =
sin ΘdΘ
If the scattering is the same as light refracted from a sphere, then putting
our total angle scattered, Θ, in terms of the angle of incidence and transmission,
Θ = 2(θ1 − θ2 )
This is because the light is refracted from its horizontal direction twice, after
hitting the sphere and leaving the sphere. Where θ1 − θ2 is the angle south of
east for one refraction.
We know sin θ1 = s/a and using Snell’s law, we know

sin θ1 s
n= → sin θ2 =
sin θ2 na
Expressing Θ in terms of just s and a we have
s s
Θ = 2(arcsin − arcsin )
a na
Now the plan is, to solve for s2 and then ds2 /dΘ and solve for the cross
section via
sds 1 ds2 1 ds2

σ= = =
sin ΘdΘ 2 sin Θ dΘ 4 sin Θ Θ dΘ
2 cos 2
Here goes. Solve for sin Θ Θ

2 and cos 2 in terms of s
Θ s s s s s s
sin = sin(arcsin −arcsin ) = sin arcsin cos arcsin −cos arcsin sin arcsin
2 a na a na a na
This is
r r
s s2 s2 s
= cos(arccos 1 − 2 2 ) − cos(arccos( 1 − 2 )
a n a a na
√
Using arcsin x = arccos 1 − x2 and sin(a − b) = sin a cos b − cos a sin b. Now
we have
Θ s p 2 2 2) −
p
sin = ( n a − s a2 − s2 )
2 na2
Doing the same thing for cos Θ
2 yields
5
Θ 1 p 2 p
cos = ( a − s2 n2 a2 − s2 + s2 )
2 na2
Using cos(a − b) = cos a cos b + sin a sin b. Still solving for s2 in terms of cos
and sin’s we proceed
Θ s2 p p
sin2 = 2 4 (n2 a2 − s2 − 2 n2 a2 − s2 a2 − s2 + a2 − s2 )
2 n a
This is
s2 2s4 2s2 p p
sin2 2 2
(n2 + 1) − 2 4 − 2 4 n2 a2 − s2 a2 − s2
n a n a n a
Note that
p p Θ
n2 a2 − s2 a2 − s2 = na2 cos − s2
2
So we have
Θ s2 2s2 Θ 2s2 s2 Θ
sin2 = 2 2 (n2 + 1 − 2 − 2n cos + 2 ) = 2 2 (1 + n2 − 2n cos )
2 n a a 2 a n a 2
Solving for s2
n2 a2 sin2 Θ
s2 = 2
1 + n2 − 2n cos Θ
2
Glad that that mess is over with, we can now do some calculus. I’m going
to let q 2 equal the denominator squared. Also to save space, lets say Θ
2 = Q. I
like using the letter q.
ds2 a2 sin Qn2

= [cos Q(1 − 2n cos Q + n2 ) − n sin2 Q]
dΘ q2
ds2 n2 a2
= 2 sin Q[cos Q − 2n cos2 Q + n2 cos Q − n(1 − cos2 Q)]
dΘ q
Expand and collect
ds2 n2 a2
= 2 sin Q[−n cos2 Q + cos Q + n2 cos Q − n]
dΘ q
Group it up
ds2 n2 a2
= 2 sin Q(n cos Q − 1)(n − cos Q)
dΘ q
Plug back in for Q and q 2 :
6
ds2 n2 a2 sin Θ Θ Θ
2 (n cos 2 − 1)(n − cos 2 )
= Θ
dΘ (1 − 2n cos 2 + n2 )2
Using our plan from above,
1 ds2 1 n2 a2 sin Θ Θ Θ
2 (n cos 2 − 1)(n − cos 2 )
σ= Θ Θ
= Θ Θ Θ
4 sin 2 cos 2
dΘ 4 sin 2 cos 2 (1 − 2n cos 2 + n2 )2
We obtain
1 n2 a2 (n cos Θ Θ
2 − 1)(n − cos 2 )
σ(Θ) =
4 cos Θ
2 (1 − 2n cos Θ
2 +n )
2 2
The total cross section involves an algebraic intensive integral. The total
cross section is given by
Z Θmax
σT = 2π σ(Θ) sin ΘdΘ
0
To find Θmax we look for when the cross section becomes zero. When
(n cos Θ2 − 1) is zero, we’ll have Θmax . If s > a, its as if the incoming particle
misses the ‘sphere’. At s = a we have maximum Θ. So using Θmax = 2 arccos n1 ,
we will find it easier to plug in x = cos Θ
2 as a substitution, to simplify our in-
tegral.
1
(nx − 1)(n − x)
Z
σT = π a2 n2 2dx
1
n
(1 − 2nx + n2 )2
where
1 Θ Θmax 1
dx = − sin dΘ cos =
2 2 2 n
The half angle formula, sin Θ = 2 sin Θ Θ
2 cos 2 was used on the sin Θ, the
negative sign switched the direction of integration, and the factor of 2 had to
be thrown in to make the dx substitution.
This integral is still hard to manage, so make another substitution, this time,
let q equal the term in the denominator.
q = 1 − 2nx + n2 → dq = −2ndx
The algebra must be done carefully here. Making a partial substitution to
see where to go:
qmin = 1 − 2 + n2 = n2 − 1 qmax = n2 − 2n + 1 = (n − 1)2
(n−1)2 (n−1)2
2πa2 n2 (nx − 1)(n − x) dq −n(nx − 1)(n − x)
Z Z
σT = = πa2 dq
n2 −1 q2 −2n n2 −1 q2
7
Expanding q 2 to see what it gives so we can put the numerator in the above
integral in terms of q 2 we see
q 2 = n4 + 1 + 2n2 − 4n3 x − 4nx + 4n2 x2

Expanding the numerator
−n(nx − 1)(n − x) = −n3 x − nx + n2 x2 + n2

If we take q 2 and subtract a n4 , subtract a 1, add a 2n2 and divide the whole
thing by 4 we’ll get the above numerator. That is:
q 2 − n4 + 2n2 − 1 q 2 − (n2 − 1)2

= = −n(nx − 1)(n − x)
4 4
Now, our integral is
(n−1)2
q 2 − (n2 − 1)2
Z
2
σT = πa dq
n2 −1 4q 2
This is finally an integral that can be done by hand
(n−1)2
πa2 (n2 − 1)2 πa2 (n2 − 1)2
Z
σT = 1− dq = (z + )
4 q2 4 z 2
n −1
After working out the few steps of algebra,
πa2 4n2 − 8n + 4
= πa2
4 n2 − 2n + 1
The total cross section is
σT = πa2
8
Homework 6: # 4.1, 4.2, 4.10, 4.14, 4.15
Michael Good
Oct 4, 2004
4.1
Prove that matrix multiplication is associative. Show that the product of two
orthogonal matrices is also orthogonal.
Answer:
Matrix associativity means
A(BC) = (AB)C
The elements for any row i and column j, are
X X
A(BC) = Aik ( Bkm Cmj )
k m
XX
(AB)C = ( Aik Bkm )Cmj
m k
Both the elements are the same. They only differ in the order of addition.
As long as the products are defined, and there are finite dimensions, matrix
multiplication is associative.
Orthogonality may be defined by
AA
e =I
The Pauli spin matrices, σx , and σz are both orthogonal.

0 1 0 1 1 0
σ˜x σx = = =I
1 0 1 0 0 1

1 0 1 0 1 0
σ˜z σz = = =I
0 −1 0 −1 0 1
The product of these two:

0 1 1 0 0 −1
σx σ z = = ≡q
1 0 0 −1 1 0
1
is also orthogonal:

0 1 0 −1 1 0
q̃q = = =I
−1 0 1 0 0 1
More generally, if
AA
e =1 BB
e =1
then both A, and B are orthogonal. We can look at
X X X
ABAB
g = (AB)
g ik (AB)kj = AB ki AB kj = aks bsi akr brj
k k k,s,r
The elements are

X X X
aks bsi akr brj = bsi aks akr brj = bsi (ÃA)sr brj
k,s,r
This is
X
ABAB
g = bsi δsr brj = B̃Bij = δij
Therefore the whole matrix is I and the product
ABAB
g =I
is orthogonal.
4.2
Prove the following properties of the transposed and adjoint matrices:
AB
g=BeA
e
(AB)† = B † A†
Answer:
For transposed matrices
X X X
AB
g = AB
g ij = ABji = ajs bsi = bsi ajs = B
eis A
esj = (B
e A)
e ij = B
eAe
As for the complex conjugate,
(AB)† = (AB)
g ∗
From our above answer for transposed matrices we can say
AB
g=BeA
e
2
And so we have
(AB)† = (AB)
g ∗ = (B e∗=B
e A) e∗A
e∗ = B † A†
4.10
If B is a square matrix and A is the exponential of B, defined by the infinite
series expansion of the exponential,
1 Bn
A ≡ eB = 1 + B + B 2 + ... + + ...,
2 n!
then prove the following properties:
• eB eC = eB+C , providing B and C commute.
• A−1 = e−B
−1
• eCBC = CAC −1
• A is orthogonal if B is antisymmetric
Answer:
Providing that B and C commute;
BC − CB = 0 BC = CB
we can get an idea of what happens:
B2 C2 C2 B2
(1+B + +O(B 3 ))(1+C + +O(C 3 )) = 1+C + +B +BC + +O(3)
2 2 2 2
This is
1 (B + C)2
1+(B +C)+ (C 2 +2BC +B 2 )+O(3) = 1+(B +C)+ +O(3) = eB+C
2 2
Because BC = CB and where O(3) are higher order terms with products of
3 or more matrices. Looking at the kth order terms, we can provide a rigorous
proof.
Expanding the left hand side of
eB eC = eB+C
and looking at the kth order term, by using the expansion for exp we get,
noting that i + j = k
k k
X BiC j X B k−j C j
=
0
i!j! 0
(k − j)!j!
3
and using the binomial expansion on the right hand side for the kth order
term, (a proof of which is given in Riley, Hobsen, Bence):
k k
(B + C)k 1 X k! X B k−j C j
= B k−j C j =
k! k! 0 (k − j)!j! 0
(k − j)!j!
we get the same term. QED.
To prove
A−1 = e−B
We remember that
A−1 A = 1
and throw e−B on the right
A−1 Ae−B = 1e−B
A−1 eB e−B = e−B

and from our above proof we know eB eC = eB+C so
A−1 eB−B = e−B

Presto,
A−1 = e−B
To prove
−1
eCBC = CAC −1
its best to expand the exp
∞
X 1 CBC −1 CBC −1 CBC −1 CBC −1 CBC −1 ...
(CBC −1 )n = 1+CBC −1 + +....+ +...
0
n! 2 n!
Do you see how the middle C −1 C terms cancel out? And how they cancel
each out n times? So we are left with just the C and C −1 on the outside of the
B’s.
∞ ∞
X 1 X 1
(CBC −1 )n = CB n C −1 = CeB C −1
0
n! 0
n!
Remember A = eB and we therefore have

−1
eCBC = CAC −1
4
To prove A is orthogonal
e = A−1
A
if B is antisymmetric
−B = B
e
We can look at the transpose of A
∞g n ∞ en ∞
X B X B X (−B)n
A
e= = = = e−B
0
n! 0
n! 0
n!
But from our second proof, we know that e−B = A−1 , so
e = A−1
A
and we can happily say A is orthogonal.
4.14
• Verify that the permutation symbol satisfies the following identity in terms
of Kronecker delta symbols:
ijp rmp = δir δjm − δim δjr
• Show that
ijp ijk = 2δpk
Answer:
To verify this first identity, all we have to do is look at the two sides of the
equation, analyzing the possibilities, i.e. if the right hand side has
i=r j = m 6= i
we get +1. If
i = m j = r 6= i
we get −1. For any other set of i, j, r, and m we get 0.
For the left hand side, lets match conditions, if
i=r j = m 6= i
then ijp = rmp and whether or not ijp is ±1 the product of the two gives
a +1. If
i = m j = r 6= i
5
then rmp = jip = −ijp and whether or not ijp is ±1 the product is now
equal to −1.
These are the only nonzero values because for i, j, r, m, none can have the
same value as p. Since there are only three values, that any of the subscripts
may take, the only non-zero values are the ones above. (not all four subscripts
may be equal because then it would be = 0 as if i = j or r = m).
To show that
ijp ijk = 2δpk
we can use our previous identity, cast in a different form:
ijk imp = δjm δkp − δjp δkm

This is equivalent because the product of two Levi-Civita symbols is found
from the deteriment of a matrix of delta’s, that is
ijk rmp = δir δjm δkp + δim δjp δkr + δip δjr δkm − δim δjr δkp − δir δjp δkm − δip δjm δkr
For our different form, we set i = r. If we also set j = m, this is called

‘contracting’ we get
ijk ijp = δjj δkp − δjp δkj

Using the summation convention, δjj = 3,
ijk ijp = 3δkp − δkp
ijk ijp = 2δkp

4.15
Show that the components of the angular velocity along the space set of axes
are given in terms of the Euler angles by
ωx = θ̇ cos φ + ψ̇ sin θ sin φ

ωy = θ̇ sin φ − ψ̇ sin θ cos φ
ωz = ψ̇ cos θ + φ̇
Answer:
Using the same analysis that Goldstein gives to find the angular velocity
along the body axes (x0 , y 0 , z 0 ) we can find the angular velocity along the space
axes (x, y, z). To make a drawing easier, its helpful to label the axes of rotation
for θ̇, ψ̇ and φ̇.
6
θ̇ → L.O.N.
ψ̇ → z 0
φ̇ → z
We want
ωx = θ̇x + ψ̇x + φ̇x

ωy = θ̇y + ψ̇y + φ̇y
ωz = θ̇z + ψ̇z + φ̇z
Lets start with ωz first to be different. If we look at the diagram carefully on
page 152, we can see that θ̇ is along the line of nodes, that is θ revolves around
the line of nodes. Therefore because the line of nodes is perpendicular to the z
space axis there is no component of θ contributing to angular velocity around
the z space axis. θ̇z = 0. What about ψ̇z ? Well, ψ revolves around z 0 . So there
is a component along z due to a changing ψ. That component depends on how
much angle there is between z 0 and z, which is θ. Does this makes sense? We
find the z part, which is the adjacent side to θ. Thus we have ψ̇z = ψ̇ cos θ.
Now lets look at φ̇z . We can see that φ just revolves around z in the first place!
Right? So there is no need to make any ‘transformation’ or make any changes.
Lets take φ̇z = φ̇. Add them all up for our total ωz .
ωz = θ̇z + ψ̇z + φ̇z = 0 + ψ̇ cos θ + φ̇

Now lets do the harder ones. Try ωx . What is θ̇x ? Well, θ̇ is along the line
of nodes, that is, θ changes and revolves around the line of nodes axis. To find
the x component of that, we just see that the angle between the line of nodes
and the x axis is only φ, because they both lie in the same xy plane. Yes? So
θ̇x = θ̇ cos φ. The adjacent side to φ with θ̇ as the hypotenuse. Lets look at φ̇x .
See how φ revolves around the z axis? Well, the z axis is perpendicular to the
x axis there for there is no component of φ̇ that contributes to the x space axis.
φ̇x = 0. Now look at ψ̇x . We can see that ψ̇ is along the z 0 body axis, that is,
it is in a whole different plane than x. We first have to find the component in
the same xy plane, then find the component of the x direction. So to get into
the xy plane we can take ψ̇x,y = ψ̇ sin θ. Now its in the same plane. But where
is it facing in this plane? We can see that depends on the angle φ. If φ = 0
we would have projected it right on top of the y − axis! So we can make sure
that if φ = 0 we have a zero component for x by multiplying by sin φ. So we
get after two projections, ψ̇x = ψ̇ sin θ sin φ. Add these all up for our total ωx ,
angular velocity in the x space axis.
ωx = θ̇x + ψ̇x + φ̇x = θ̇ cos φ + ψ̇ sin θ sin φ + 0

I’ll explain ωy for kicks, even though the process is exactly the same. Look
for θ̇y . θ̇ is along the line of nodes. Its y component depends on the angle φ. So
7
project it to the y axis. θ̇y = θ̇ sin φ. Look for ψ̇y . Its in a different plane again,
so two projections are necessary to find its component. Project down to the xy
plane like we did before, ψ̇x,y = ψ̇ sin θ and now we remember that if φ = 0 we
would have exactly placed it on top of the y axis. Thats good! So lets make it if
φ = 0 we have the full ψ̇ sin θ, (ie multiply by cos φ because cos 0 = 1). But we
also have projected it in the opposite direction of the positive y direction, (throw
in a negative). So we have ψ̇y = −ψ̇ sin θ cos φ. For φ̇y we note that φ revolves
around the z axis, completely perpendicular to y. Therefore no component in
the y direction. φ̇y = 0. Add them all up
ωy = θ̇y + ψ̇y + φ̇y = θ̇ sin φ − ψ̇ sin θ cos φ + 0

Here is all the ω’s together
ωx = θ̇ cos φ + ψ̇ sin θ sin φ

ωy = θ̇ sin φ − ψ̇ sin θ cos φ
ωz = ψ̇ cos θ + φ̇
8
Homework 7: # 4.22, 5.15, 5.21, 5.23, Foucault
pendulum
Michael Good
Oct 9, 2004
4.22
A projectile is fired horizontally along Earth’s surface. Show that to a first
approximation the angular deviation from the direction of fire resulting from
the Coriolis effect varies linearly with time at a rate
ω cos θ
where ω is the angular frequency of Earth’s rotation and θ is the co-latitude,
the direction of deviation being to the right in the northern hemisphere.
Answer:
I’ll call the angular deviation ψ. We are to find
ψ = ω cos θt
We know ω is directed north along the axis of rotation, that is, sticking out
of the north pole of the earth. We know θ is the co-latitude, that is, the angle
from the poles to the point located on the surface of the Earth. The latitude, λ
is the angle from the equator to the point located on the surface of the Earth.
λ = π/2 − θ. Place ourselves in the coordinate system of whoever may be fir-
ing the projectile on the surface of the Earth. Call y 0 the horizontal direction
pointing north (not toward the north pole or into the ground, but horizontally
north), call x0 the horizontal direction pointed east, and call z 0 the vertical di-
rection pointed toward the sky.
With our coordinate system in hand, lets see where ω is. Parallel transport
it to the surface and note that it is between y 0 and z 0 . If we are at the north
pole, it is completely aligned with z 0 , if we are at the equator, ω is aligned with
y 0 . Note that the angle between z 0 and ω is the co-latitude, θ.(θ is zero at the
north pole, when ω and z 0 are aligned). If we look at the components of ω, we
can take a hint from Goldstein’s Figure 4.13, that deflection of the horizontal
trajectory in the northern hemisphere will depend on only the z 0 component of
ω, labeled ωz0 . Only ωz is used for our approximation. It is clear that there is
1
no component of ω in the x0 direction. If we took into account the component
in the y 0 direction we would have an effect causing the particle to move into the
vertical direction, because the Coriolis effect is
Fc = −2m(ω × v)
and ωy ×v would add a contribution in the z direction because our projectile
is fired only along x0 and y 0 , that is, horizontally. So following Goldstein’s figure,
we shall only be concerned with ωz . Our acceleration due to the Coriolis force
is
ac = −2(ω × v) = 2(v × ω)
The component of ω in the z 0 direction is ωz0 = ω cos θ. Thus the magnitude
of the acceleration is
ac = 2vω cos θ
The distance affected by this acceleration can be found through the equation
of motion,
1 2
d= ac t = vω cos θt2
2
And using a small angle of deviation, for ψ we can draw a triangle and note
that the distance traveled by the projectile is just x = vt.
d
xψ = d → ψ=
x
vω cos θt2
ψ= = ω cos θt
vt
Therefore the angular deviation varies linearly on time with a rate of ω cos θ.
Note that there is no Coriolis effect at the equator when θ = π/2, therefore no
angular deviation.
5.15
Find the principal moments of inertia about the center of mass of a flat rigid
body in the shape of a 45o right triangle with uniform mass density. What are
the principal axes?
Answer:
Using the moment of inertia formula for a lamina, which is a flat closed
surface, (as explained on wolfram research) we can calculate the moment of
inertia for the triangle, with it situated with long side on the x-axis, while the
y-axis cuts through the middle. The off-diagonal elements of the inertia tensor
vanish.
2
a a−x a
(a − x)3
Z Z Z Z
2 M 2 2M
Ix = σy dxdy = 2 y dydx = 2 dx
0 0 A a 0 3
Solving the algebra,
a
2M a2 8 1 6 M a2
Z
2M
Ix = (−x3 + 3ax2 − 3a2 x + a3 )dx = [ − − ]=
3a2 0 3 4 4 4 6
For Iy
Z Z a Z a−y
2 M 2
Iy = σx dxdy = 2 x dxdy
0 0 A
This has the exact same form, so if you’re clever, you won’t do the integral
over again.
M a2
Iy =
6
For Iz
M a2
Z
1 1
Iz = σ(x2 + y 2 )dxdy = Ix + Iy = ( + )M a2 =
6 6 3
We can use the parallel axis theorem to find the principal moments of inertia
about the center of mass. The center of mass is
Z a Z a−x Z a
σ 2 (a − x)2
ycm = 2 ydxdy = 2 dx
M 0 0 a 0 2
Z a a
1 2 2 2 2 x3 1 a
ycm = 2 (a − 2xa + x )dx = a x − ax + 2 =
a 0 3 0a 3
From symmetry we can tell that the center of mass is (0, a3 , 0). Using the
parallel axis theorem, with r0 = a/3
IX = Ix − M r02
IY = Iy
IZ = Iz − M r02
These are
1 1 3 2 M a2
IX = ( − )M a2 = ( − )M a2 =
6 9 18 18 18
M a2
IY =
6
3
1 1 2
IZ = ( − )M a2 = M a2
3 9 9
5.21
A compound pendulum consists of a rigid body in the shape of a lamina sus-
pended in the vertical plane at a point other than the center of gravity. Compute
the period for small oscillations in terms of the radius of gyration about the cen-
ter of gravity and the separation of the point of suspension from the center of
gravity. Show that if the pendulum has the same period for two points of sus-
pension at unequal distances from the center of gravity, then the sum of these
distances is equal to the length of the equivalent simple pendulum.
Answer:
Looking for an equation of motion, we may equate the torque to the moment
of inertia times the angular acceleration.
lF = I θ̈
The force is −M g sin θ, and the moment of inertia, using the parallel axis
theorem is
I = M rg2 + M l2
where rg radius of gyration about the center of gravity, and l is the distance
between the pivot point and center of gravity. The equation of motion becomes
−lM g sin θ = (M rg2 + M l2 )θ̈

Using small oscillations, we can apply the small angle approximation sin θ ≈
θ
−lgθ = (rg2 + l2 )θ̈
lg
θ + θ̈ = 0
rg2 + l2
This is with angular frequency and period
s s
lg 2π rg2 + l2
ω= → T = = 2π
rg + l 2
2 ω lg
This is the same as the period for a physical pendulum
s s
I rg2 + l2
T = 2π = 2π
M gl lg
If we have two points of suspension, l1 and l2 , each having the same period,
T . Then we get
4
s s
rg2 + l12 rg2 + l22
2π = 2π
l1 g l2 g
This is
rg2 + l12 rg2 + l22

=
l1 l2
And in a more favorable form, add l1 to both sides, because we are looking
for l1 + l2 to be equivalent to a simple pendulum length,
rg2 rg2
+ l1 + l 1 = + l2 + l1
l1 l2
rg2
(l2 − l1 ) + 2l1 = l2 + l1
l1 l2
This is only true if
rg2 = l1 l2
Thus our period becomes
s s s s
rg2 + l12 l1 l2 + l12 l2 + l 1 L
T = 2π = 2π = 2π = 2π
l1 g l1 g g g
where L is the length of a simple pendulum equivalent.
5.23
An automobile is started from rest with one of its doors initially at right angles.
If the hinges of the door are toward the front of the car, the door will slam shut
as the automobile picks up speed. Obtain a formula for the time needed for the
door to close if the acceleration f is constant, the radius of gyration of the door
about the axis of rotation is r0 and the center of mass is at a distance a from
the hinges. Show that if f is 0.3m/s2 and the door is a uniform rectangle is
1.2m wide, the time will be approximately 3.04 s.
Answer:
Begin by setting the torque equal to the product of the moment of inertia
and angular acceleration.
I θ̈ = aF
The moment of inertia is I = mr02 . The force is F = −mf sin θ. So we get
mr02 θ̈ = −amf sin θ

Our equation of motion is
5
af
θ̈ = − sin θ
r02
This is rough. In our case we can not use the small angle approximation. The
door starts at 90o ! How do we go about solving this then? Lets try integrating
it once and see how far we can get. Here is a handy trick,
d dθ dθ̇ dθ̇ dθ dθ̇

=
θ̈ = = = θ̇
dt dt dt dθ dt dθ
Plug this into our equation of motion
dθ̇ af
θ̇ = − 2 sin θ
dθ r0
This is separable, and may be integrated.
θ̇2 af
= 2 cos θ
2 r0
s
2af
θ̇ = cos θ
r02
The time may be found by integrating over the time of travel it takes for the
door to shut.
Z π2 Z π2 Z π2 s 2
dt dθ r0 dθ
T = dθ = = √
0 dθ 0 θ̇ 0 2af cos θ
Here is where the physics takes a backseat for a few, while the math runs
the show. If we throw in a − cos 90o we might notice that this integral is an
elliptic integral of the first kind, denoted K.
s π
s π
s
r02 r02 r02 √
Z Z
2 dθ 2 dθ π
T = √ = = 2K(sin )
cos θ − cos π2
p
2af 0 cos θ 2af 0 2af 4
This can be seen from mathworld’s treatment of elliptic integrals, at

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/EllipticIntegraloftheFirstKind.html.
Now we have
s √
r02 2
T = K( )
af 2
√
K( 22 ) belongs to a group of functions called ‘elliptic integral singular val-
ues’, K(kr ) A treatment of them and a table of their values that correspond to
gamma functions are given here:
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/EllipticIntegralSingularValue.html.
6
The ‘elliptic lambda function’ determines the value of kr . A table of lambda
functions is here
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/EllipticLambdaFunction.html.
√
Our kr value of 22 corresponds to k1 . From the singular value table,
Γ2 ( 14 )
K(k1 ) = √
4 π
Our time is now
s
r02 Γ2 ( 41 )
T = √
af 4 π
Fortunately, there are nice calculators that will compute gamma functions
quickly. I used this one
http://www.efunda.com/math/gamma/findgamma.cfm.
I now have
1
Γ( ) = 3.63
4
Back to the physics. The moment of inertia of a uniform rectangle about
the axis that bisects it is M 2
3 a . Move the axis to the edge of the rectangle using
the parallel axis theorem.
M 2 4
I = M r02 = M a2 + a = M a2
3 3
we now have
4 2
r02 =a
3
With a = .6m, that is, half of the length of the car door, assuming its mass
is uniform. And with f = .3m/s2 we have
r s
4a 1 4(.6) 1
T = √ (3.63)2 = √ (3.63)2 = 3.035 ≈ 3.04 s
3f 4 π 3(.3) 4 3.14
Foucault Pendulum
Find the period of rotation as a function of latitude.
Hint: neglect centrifugal force, neglect change in height, solve for ξ = x + iy
Answer:
The Foucault pendulum is a swinging weight supported by a long wire, so

that the wire’s upper support restrains the wire only in the vertical direction
and the weight is set swinging with no lateral or circular motion. The plane
of the pendulum gradually rotates, demonstrating the Earth’s rotation. Solve
7
for the period of rotation of this plane. The equation of motion for acceleration
takes into account the vertical acceleration due to gravity, the acceleration from
the tension and the Coriolis acceleration.
T
ar = g + − 2ω × vr
m
In my system, I have x facing east, y facing north, and z facing to the sky.
This yeilds
ωx = 0
ωy = ω sin θ = ω cos λ
ωz = ω cos θ = ω sin λ
The only velocity contributions come from the x and y components, for we
can ignore the change in height. The Coriolis acceleration is quickly derived
ac = ẏω sin λx̂ − ẋω sin λŷ + ẋω cos λẑ

Looking for the period of rotation, we are concerned only with the x and y
accelerations. Our overall acceleration equations become
g
ẍ = − x + 2ẏω sin λ
l
g
ÿ = − y − 2ẋω sin λ
l
The g/l terms were found using approximations for the tension components,
that is, Tx = −T xl → Tx /ml = g/l and the same for y.
Introducing ξ = x + iy and adding the two equations after multiplying the

second one by i
g
ξ¨ + ξ = −2ω sin λ(−ẏ + iẋ)
l
g
ξ¨ + ξ = −2iω sin λξ˙
l
g
ξ¨ + ξ + 2iω sin λξ˙ = 0
l
g
This is the damped oscillation expression. It’s solution is, using l >>
ω sin λ, the over damped case
√g √g
ξ = e−iω sin λt (Aei l t + Be−i l t )
The equation for oscillation of a pendulum is
g
q̈ + q = 0
l
It has solution
8
√g √g
q = Aei l t
+ Be−i l t
We can simplify our expression then, using q
ξ = qe−iω sin λt
Where the angular frequency of the plane’s rotation is ω cos θ, or ω sin λ
where λ is the latitude, and θ is the co-latitude. The period can be found using,
ω = 2π/T .
2π 2π TEarth
cos θ = → TF oucault =
Tearth TF oucault cos θ
This can be checked because we know the pendulum rotates completely in
1 day at the North pole where θ = 0 and has no rotation at the equator where
θ = 900 . Chapel Hill has a latitude of 36o , a Foucault pendulum takes
24 hours
TF oucault = ≈ 41 hours
sin 36o
to make a full revolution.
9
Homework 8: # 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.26
Michael Good
Oct 21, 2004
5.4
Derive Euler’s equations of motion, Eq. (5.39’), from the Lagrange equation of
motion, in the form of Eq. (1.53), for the generalized coordinate ψ.
Answer:
Euler’s equations of motion for a rigid body are:
I1 ω̇1 − ω2 ω3 (I2 − I3 ) = N1
I2 ω̇2 − ω3 ω1 (I3 − I1 ) = N2
I3 ω̇3 − ω1 ω2 (I1 − I2 ) = N3
The Lagrangian equation of motion is in the form
d ∂T ∂T
( )− = Qj
dt ∂ q̇j ∂qj
The kinetic energy for rotational motion is
3
X 1
T = Ii ωi2
i
2
The components of the angular velocity in terms of Euler angles for the body
set of axes are
ω1 = φ̇ sin θ sin ψ + θ̇ cos ψ

ω2 = φ̇ sin θ cos ψ − θ̇ sin ψ
ω3 = φ̇ cos θ + ψ̇
Solving for the equation of motion using the generalized coordinate ψ:
d ∂T ∂T
( )− = Nψ
dt ∂ ψ̇ ∂ψ
3 3
X ∂ωi d X ∂ωi
Ii ωi − Ii ωi = Nψ
i
∂ψ dt i ∂ ψ̇
1
Now is a good time to pause and calculate the partials of the angular veloc-
ities,
∂ω1
= −θ̇ sin ψ + φ̇ sin θ cos ψ
∂ψ
∂ω2
= −θ̇ cos ψ − φ̇ sin θ sin ψ
∂ψ
∂ω3
=0
∂ψ
and
∂ω1 ∂ω2
= =0
∂ ψ̇ ∂ ψ̇
∂ω3
=1
∂ ψ̇
Now we have all the pieces of the puzzle, explicitly
3 3
X ∂ωi d X ∂ωi
Ii ωi − Ii ωi = Nψ
i
∂ψ dt i ∂ ψ̇
d
I1 ω1 (−θ̇ sin ψ + φ̇ sin θ cos ψ) + I2 ω2 (−θ̇ cos ψ − φ̇ sin θ sin ψ) − I3 ω3 = Nψ
dt
This is, pulling out the negative sign on the second term,
I1 ω1 (ω2 ) − I2 ω2 (ω1 ) − I3 ω̇3 = Nψ
I3 ω̇3 − ω1 ω2 (I1 − I2 ) = Nψ
And through cyclic permutations
I2 ω̇2 − ω3 ω1 (I3 − I1 ) = N2
I1 ω̇1 − ω2 ω3 (I2 − I3 ) = N1
we have the rest of Euler’s equations of motion for a rigid body.
2
5.6
• Show that the angular momentum of the torque-free symmetrical top ro-
tates in the body coordinates about the symmetry axis with an angular
frequency ω. Show also that the symmetry axis rotates in space about the
fixed direction of the angular momentum with angular frequency
I3 ω3
φ̇ =
I1 cos θ
where φ is the Euler angle of the line of nodes with respect to the angular
momentum as the space z axis.
• Using the results of Exercise 15, Chapter 4, show that ω rotates in space
about the angular momentum with the same frequency φ̇, but that the
angle θ0 between ω and L is given by
Ω
sin θ0 = sin θ00
φ̇
where θ00 is the inclination of ω to the symmetry axis. Using the data
given in Section 5.6, show therefore that Earth’s rotation axis and axis of
angular momentum are never more than 1.5 cm apart on Earth’s surface.
• Show from parts (a) and (b) that the motion of the force-free symmetrical
top can be described in terms of the rotation of a cone fixed in the body
whose axis is the symmetry axis, rolling on a fixed cone in space whose
axis is along the angular momentum. The angular velocity vector is along
the line of contact of the two cones. Show that the same description
follows immediately from the Poinsot construction in terms of the inertia
ellipsoid.
Answer:
Marion shows that the angular momentum of the torque-free symmetrical

top rotates in the body coordinates about the symmetry axis with an angular
frequency ω more explicitly than Goldstein. Beginning with Euler’s equation
for force-free, symmetric, rigid body motion, we see that ω3 = constant. The
other Euler equations are
I3 − I
ω̇1 = −( ω3 )ω2
I
I3 − I
ω̇2 = −( ω3 )ω1
I
Solving these, and by already making the substitution, because we are deal-
ing with constants,
3
I3 − I
Ω= ω3
I
we get
(ω̇1 + iω̇2 ) − iΩ(ω1 + iω2 ) = 0

Let
q = ω1 + iω2
Now
q̇ − iΩq = 0
has solution
q(t) = AeiΩt
this is
ω1 + iω2 = A cos Ωt + iA sin Ωt

and we see
ω1 (t) = A cos Ωt
ω2 (t) = A sin Ωt
The x3 axis is the symmetry axis of the body, so the angular velocity vector
precesses about the body x3 axis with a constant angular frequency
I3 − I
Ω= ω3
I
.
I3 ω3
φ̇ =
I1 cos θ
To prove
I3 ω3
φ̇ =
I1 cos θ
We may look at the two cone figure angular momentum components, where
L is directed along the vertical space axis and θ is the angle between the space
and body vertical axis.
L1 = 0
L2 = L sin θ
L3 = L cos θ
If α is the angle between ω and the vertical body axis, then
4
ω1 = 0
ω2 = ω sin α
ω3 = ω cos α
The angular momentum components in terms of α may be found
L1 = I1 ω1 = 0
L2 = I1 ω2 = I1 ω sin α
L3 = I3 ω3 = I3 ω cos α
Using the Euler angles in the body frame, we may find, (using the instant
in time where x2 is in the plane of x3 , ω, and L, where ψ = 0) ,
ω2 = φ̇ sin θ
This is
ω2 ω sin α L2 L L
φ̇ = = = ω( ) =
sin θ sin θ I1 ω L2 I1
Plugging in L3
L L3 I3 ω3
φ̇ = = =
I1 I1 cos θ I1 cos θ
A simple way to show
Ω
sin θ0 = sin θ00
φ̇
may be constructed by using the cross product of ω × L and ω × x3 .
q
|ω × L| = ωL sin θ0 = L ωx2 + ωy2
Using the angular velocity components in terms of Euler angles in the space
fixed frame, this is equal to
ωL sin θ0 = Lφ̇ sin θ

with θ fixed, and θ̇ = 0. For ω × x3 we have
q
|ω × x3 | = ω sin θ00 = ωx20 + ωy20
Using the angular velocity components in terms of Euler angles in the body
fixed frame, this is equal to
5
ω sin θ00 = φ̇ sin θ
Using these two expressions, we may find their ratio
ωL sin θ0 Lφ̇ sin θ

00
=
ω sin θ φ̇ sin θ
sin θ0 ψ̇
=
sin θ00 φ̇
Because ψ̇ = Ω
Ω
sin θ0 = sin θ00
φ̇
To show that the Earth’s rotation axis and axis of angular momentum are
never more than 1.5cm apart on the Earth’s surface, the following approxima-
tions may be made, sin θ0 ≈ θ0 , cos θ ≈ 1, sin θ00 ≈ θ00 , and I1 /I3 ≈ 1. Earth
is considered an oblate spheroid, I3 > I1 and the data says there is 10m for
amplitude of separation of pole from rotation axis. Using
Ω
sin θ0 = sin θ00
φ̇
I3 ω3
φ̇ =
I1 cos θ
I3 − I1
Ω= ω3
I1
we have
I3 − I1 I1 cos θ
sin θ0 = ω3 sin θ00
I1 I3 ω3
Applying the approximations
I3 − I1 00
θ0 = θ
I1
d I3 − I1 s
θ0 = =
R I1 R
where R is the radius of the Earth, and s is the average distance of separation,
which we will assume is half the amplitude, 5 m.
I3 − I1
d= s = (.00327)(5) = 1.6 cm
I1
Force free motion means the angular momentum vector L is constant in time
and stationary, as well as the rotational kinetic energy. (because the center of
mass of the body is fixed). So because T = 12 ω · L is constant, ω precesses
6
around with a constant angle. This tracing is called the space cone, only if L is
lined up with x3 space axis. Proving that L, x3 and ω all lie in the same plane
will show that this space cone is traced out by ω. This results from I1 = I2 as
shown below:
L · (ω × e3 ) = 0
because
ω × e3 = ω2 e1 − ω1 e2
L · (ω × e3 ) = I1 ω1 ω2 − I2 ω1 ω2 = 0
Because I1 = I2 .
Now the symmetry axis of the body has the angular velocity ω precessing
around it with a constant angular frequency Ω. Thus another cone is traced
out, the body cone. So we have two cones, hugging each other with ω in the
direction of the line of contact.
5.7
For the general asymmetrical rigid body, verify analytically the stability theo-
rem shown geometrically above on p. 204 by examining the solution of Euler’s
equations for small deviations from rotation about each of the principal axes.
The direction of ω is assumed to differ so slightly from a principal axis that the
component of ω along the axis can be taken as constant, while the product of
components perpendicular to the axis can be neglected. Discuss the bounded-
ness of the resultant motion for each of the three principal axes.
Answer:
Marion and Thornton give a clear analysis of the stability of a general rigid
body. First lets define our object to have distinct principal moments of inertia.
I1 < I2 < I3 . Lets examine the x1 axis first. We have ω = ω1 e1 if we spin it
around the x1 axis. Apply some small perturbation and we get
ω = ω1 e1 + ke2 + pe3
In the problem, we are told to neglect the product of components perpen-
dicular to the axis of rotation. This is because k and p are so small. The Euler
equations
I1 ω̇1 − ω2 ω3 (I2 − I3 ) = 0
I2 ω̇2 − ω3 ω1 (I3 − I1 ) = 0
I3 ω̇3 − ω1 ω2 (I1 − I2 ) = 0
become
7
I1 ω̇1 − kp(I2 − I3 ) = 0
I2 k̇ − pω1 (I3 − I1 ) = 0
I3 ṗ − ω1 k(I1 − I2 ) = 0
Neglecting the product pk ≈ 0, we see ω1 is constant from the first equation.
Solving the other two yields
I3 − I1
k̇ = ( ω1 )p
I2
I1 − I2
ṗ = ( ω1 )k
I3
To solve we may differentiate the first equation, and plug into the second:
I3 − I1 (I1 − I3 )(I1 − I2 ) 2
k̈ = ( ω1 )ṗ → k̈ + ( ω1 )k = 0
I2 I2 I3
Solve for k(t):
k(t) = AeiΩ1k t + Be−iΩ1k t

with
s
(I1 − I3 )(I1 − I2 )
Ω1k = ω1
I2 I3
Do this for p(t) and you get
Ω1k = Ω1p ≡ Ω1
Cyclic permutation for the other axes yields
s
(I1 − I3 )(I1 − I2 )
Ω1 = ω 1
I2 I3
s
(I2 − I1 )(I2 − I3 )
Ω2 = ω 2
I3 I1
s
(I3 − I2 )(I3 − I1 )
Ω3 = ω 3
I1 I2
Note that the only unstable motion is about the x2 axis, because I2 < I3 and
we obtain a negative sign under the square root, Ω2 is imaginary and the per-
turbation increases forever with time. Around the x2 axis we have unbounded
motion. Thus we conclude that only the largest and smallest moment of inertia
rotations are stable, and the intermediate principal axis of rotation is unstable.
8
5.26
For the axially symmetric body precessing uniformly in the absence of torques,
find the analytical solutions for the Euler angles as a function of time.
Answer:
For an axially symmetric body, symmetry axis Lz , we have I1 = I2 , and

Euler’s equations are
I1 ω̇1 = (I1 − I3 )ω2 ω3

I2 ω̇2 = (I3 − I1 )ω1 ω3
I3 ω̇3 = 0
This is equation (5.47) of Goldstein, only without the typos. Following
Goldstein,
ω1 = A cos Ωt
ω2 = A sin Ωt
where
I3 − I1
Ω= ω3
I1
Using the Euler angles in the body fixed frame,
ω1 = φ̇ sin θ sin ψ + θ̇ cos ψ

ω3 = φ̇ cos θ + ψ̇
we have
ω1 = φ̇ sin θ sin ψ + θ̇ cos ψ = A sin(Ωt + δ) (1)

ω2 = φ̇ sin θ cos ψ − θ̇ sin ψ = A cos(Ωt + δ) (2)
ω3 = φ̇ cos θ + ψ̇ = constant (3)
Multiplying the left hand side of (1) by cos ψ and the left hand side of (2)
by sin ψ, and subtracting them yields
[φ̇ sin θ sin ψ cos ψ + θ̇ cos2 ψ] − [φ̇ sin θ cos ψ sin ψ − θ̇ sin2 ψ] = θ̇
9
Thus we have
θ̇ = A sin(Ωt + δ) cos ψ + A cos(Ωt + δ) sin ψ

θ̇ = A sin(Ωt + δ + ψ)
I assume uniform precession means θ̇ = 0, no nutation or bobbing up and
down. Thus
Ωt + δ + ψ = nπ
with n = 0, ±1, ±2..., if n = 0
ψ = −Ωt + ψ0
where ψ0 is the initial angle from the x − axis. From this, ψ̇ = −Ω.
If we multiply the left hand side of (1) by sin ψ and the left hand side of (2)
by cos ψ, and add them:
[φ̇ sin θ sin2 ψ + θ̇ cos ψ sin ψ] + [φ̇ sin θ cos2 ψ − θ̇ sin ψ cos ψ] = φ̇ sin θ
Thus we have
φ̇ sin θ = A sin(Ωt + δ) sin ψ + A cos(Ωt + δ) cos ψ
φ̇ sin θ = A cos(Ωt + δ + ψ)
Plugging this result into (3)
cos θ
ω3 = A cos(Ωt + ψ + δ) + ψ̇
sin θ
Using ψ̇ = −Ω and Ωt + δ + ψ = 0,
cos θ
ω3 = A cos(0) − Ω
sin θ
A = (ω3 + Ω) tan θ
I3 −I1
and since Ω = I1 ω 3
I3 − I1 I3
A = (ω3 + ω3 ) tan θ = ω3 tan θ
I1 I1
With this we can solve for the last Euler angle, φ,
cos(Ωt + ψ + δ) I3 cos(0)
φ̇ = A = ω3 tan θ
sin θ I1 sin θ
10
I3 ω3
φ̇ =
I1 cos θ
I3 ω3
φ= t + φ0
I1 cos θ
So all together
θ = θ0
ψ(t) = −Ωt + ψ0
I3 ω3
φ(t) = t + φ0
I1 cos θ
11
Homework 9: # 8.19, 8.24, 8.25
Michael Good
Nov 2, 2004
8.19
The point of suspension of a simple pendulum of length l and mass m is con-
strained to move on a parabola z = ax2 in the vertical plane. Derive a Hamilto-
nian governing the motion of the pendulum and its point of suspension. Obtain
the Hamilton’s equations of motion.
Answer:
Let
x0 = x + l sin θ
z 0 = ax2 − l cos θ
Then
1
T = m(ẋ02 + ż 02 )
2
U = mgz 0
Solving in terms of generalized coordinates, x and θ, our Lagrangian is
1
L = T −U = m(ẋ2 +2ẋl cos θθ̇+4a2 x2 ẋ2 +4axẋlθ̇ sin θ+l2 θ̇2 )−mg(ax2 −l cos θ)
2
Using
1
L = L0 + ˜q̇T q̇
2
where q̇ and T are matrices. We can see

ẋ
q̇ =
θ̇
m(1 + 4a2 x2 )

ml(cos θ + 2ax sin θ)
T =
ml(cos θ + 2ax sin θ) ml2
with
1
L0 = −mg(ax2 − l cos θ)
The Hamilitonian is
1 −1
H= p̃T p − L0
2
Inverting T by
−1
a b 1 d −b
=
c d ad − bc −c a
with the algebra,
1 1
= 22
ad − bc m l (1 + 4ax2 ) − m2 l2 (cos θ + 2ax sin θ)2
this is
1
=
m2 l2 (sin2 θ+ 4ax2 − 4ax cos θ sin θ − 4a2 x2 sin2 θ)
1
=
m2 l2 (sin2 θ − 4ax sin θ cos θ + 4a2 x2 cos2 θ)
which I’ll introduce, for simplicity’s sake, Y.
1 1
= ≡ 22
m2 l2 (sin θ − 2ax cos θ)2 m l Y
So now we have
ml2

−1 1 −ml(cos θ + 2ax sin θ)
T = 22
m l Y −ml(cos θ + 2ax sin θ) m(1 + 4a2 x2 )

−1 1 1 −(cos θ + 2ax sin θ)/l
T =
mY −(cos θ + 2ax sin θ)/l (1 + 4a2 x2 )/l2
I want to introduce a new friend, lets call him J
J ≡ (cos θ + 2ax sin θ)

Y ≡ (sin θ − 2ax cos θ)2
So,

1 1 −J/l
T −1 =
mY −J/l (1 + 4a2 x2 )/l2
Proceed to derive the Hamiltonian,
1 −1
H= p̃T p − L0
2
2
we can go step by step,

−1 1 1 −J/l px 1 px − (J/l)pθ
T p= =
mY −J/l (1 + 4a2 x2 /l2 pθ mY (−J/l)px + (1 + 4a2 x2 /l2 )pθ
and
1 J J 1 + 4a2 x2 2
p̃T −1 p =(p2x − pθ px − pθ px + pθ )
mY l l l2
the full Hamiltonian is
1 J 1 + 4a2 x2 2
H= (p2x − 2 pθ px + pθ ) + mg(ax2 − l cos θ)
2mY l l2
plugging in my Y and J
1 2 cos θ + 2ax sin θ 1 + 4a2 x2 2

H= (p −2 p θ p x + pθ )+mg(ax2 −l cos θ)
2m(sin θ − 2ax cos θ)2 x l l2
Now to find the equations of motion. They are

∂H ∂H ∂H ∂H
ẋ = θ̇ = ṗx = − ṗθ = −
∂px ∂pθ ∂x ∂θ
The first two are easy, especially with my substitutions.
1 J 1 cos θ + 2ax sin θ

ẋ = [px − pθ ] = [px − pθ ]
mY l m(sin θ − 2ax cos θ)2 l
1 1 + 4a2 x2 1 1 + 4a2 x2
θ̇ = [−Jpx + pθ ] = 2
[−(cos θ+2ax sin θ)px + pθ ]
mY l l ml(sin θ − 2ax cos θ) l
But the next two are far more involved. I handled the partial with respect
to x by taking the product rule between the two main pieces, the fraction out
front, and mess inside the parenthesis that has p terms. I then broke each p
term and began grouping them. Go slowly, and patiently. After taking the
derivative before grouping, my ṗx looked like this:
∂H
ṗx = −
∂x
∂H 1 −4a sin θ 8a2 x

= 2
[ pθ px + 2 p2θ ]
∂x 2m(sin θ − 2ax cos θ) l l
−2(−2a cos θ) 2 cos θ + 2ax sin θ 1 + 4a2 x2 2
− [p − 2 p θ p x + pθ ] + 2mgax
2m(sin θ − 2ax cos θ)3 x l l2
3
Now start simplifying. Lets group the p terms.
4a(cos θ + 2ax sin θ) 2

p
2ml2 [sin θ − 2ax cos θ]3 θ
4a cos θ
p2
2m[sin θ − 2ax cos θ]3 x
and the longest one..
2a
[sin2 θ − 2 − 2ax cos θ sin θ]pθ px
lm[sin θ − 2ax cos θ]3
Adding them all up yields, for ṗx :
2
∂H 2a 2 cos θ + 2ax sin θ 2 2 − sin θ + 2ax sin θ cos θ
− =− [cos θp x + p θ − px pθ ]−2mgax
∂x m[sin θ − 2ax cos θ]3 l2 l
Now for the next one, ṗθ :

∂H
ṗθ = −
∂θ
Taking the derivative, you get a monster, of course
∂H 1 2 sin θ 4ax cos θ
= 2
[ − ]pθ px
∂θ 2m[sin θ − 2ax cos θ] l l
cos θ + 2ax sin θ 1 + 4a2 x2 2 −2(cos θ + 2ax sin θ)
+[p2x − 2 pθ p x + pθ ][ + mgl sin θ
l l2 2m[sin θ − 2ax cos θ]3
separating terms..
−(cos θ + 2ax sin θ) 2

p
m[sin θ − 2ax cos θ]3 x
cos θ + 2ax sin θ 1 + 4a2 x2 2

pθ
m[sin θ − 2ax cos θ]3 l2
and the longest one...
(sin θ − 2ax cos θ)2 2(cos θ + 2ax sin θ)2

[ + ]pθ px
lm[sin θ − 2ax cos θ]3 lm[sin θ − 2ax cos θ]3
add them all up for the fourth equation of motion, ṗθ
∂H 1 2 1 + 4a2 x2 2
− = [(cos θ + 2ax sin θ)(p x + pθ )
∂θ m[sin θ − 2ax cos θ]3 l2
[(sin θ − 2ax cos θ)2 + 2(cos θ + 2ax sin θ)2 ]

− pθ px
l
4
Together in all their glory:
∂H 1 2 1 + 4a2 x2 2
ṗθ = − = [(cos θ + 2ax sin θ)(p x + pθ )
∂θ m[sin θ − 2ax cos θ]3 l2
[(sin θ − 2ax cos θ)2 + 2(cos θ + 2ax sin θ)2 ]

− pθ px
l
∂H 2a cos θ + 2ax sin θ 2 2 − sin2 θ + 2ax sin θ cos θ

ṗx = − =− 3
[cos θp2x + pθ − px pθ ]−2mgax
∂x m[sin θ − 2ax cos θ] l2 l
1 cos θ + 2ax sin θ

ẋ = [px − pθ ]
m(sin θ − 2ax cos θ)2 l
1 1 + 4a2 x2
θ̇ = [−(cos θ + 2ax sin θ)p x + pθ ]
ml(sin θ − 2ax cos θ)2 l
8.24
A uniform cylinder of radius a and density ρ is mounted so as to rotate freely
around a vertical axis. On the outside of the cylinder is a rigidly fixed uniform
spiral or helical track along which a mass point m can slide without friction.
Suppose a particle starts at rest at the top of the cylinder and slides down under
the influence of gravity. Using any set of coordinates, arrive at a Hamiltonian
for the combined system of particle and cylinder, and solve for the motion of
the system.
Answer:
My generalized coordinates will be θ, the rotational angle of the particle

with respect to the cylinder, and φ the rotational angle of the cylinder. The
moment of inertia of a cylinder is
1 1
M a2 = ρπha4
I=
2 2
There are three forms of kinetic energy in the Lagrangian. The rotational
energy of the cylinder, the rotational energy of the particle, and the translational
kinetic energy of the particle. The only potential energy of the system will be
the potential energy due to the height of the particle. The hardest part of this
Lagrangian to understand is likely the translational energy due to the particle.
The relationship between height and angle of rotational for a helix is
h = cθ
Where c is the distance between the coils of the helix. MathWorld gives a
treatment of this under helix. Understand that if the cylinder was not rotating
5
then the rotational kinetic energy of the particle would merely be m 2 2
2 a θ̇ , but
the rotation of the cylinder is adding an additional rotation to the particle’s
position. Lets write down the Lagrangian,
1 2 m 2
L= I φ̇ + [a (θ̇ + φ̇)2 + c2 θ̇2 ] + mgcθ
2 2
This is
1
L = L0 + ˜q̇ T q̇
2
Solve for T.
ma2 + mc2 ma2

θ̇
T = q̇ =
ma2 I + ma2 φ̇
Using the same 2 by 2 inverse matrix form from the previous problem, we
may solve for T −1 .
I + ma2 −ma2

1
T −1 =
(ma + mc )(I + ma2 ) − m2 a4
2 2 −ma2 m(a2 + c2 )
Now we can find the Hamiltonian.

1
H= p̃ T −1 p − L0
2
This is
p2θ (I + ma2 ) − 2ma2 pθ pφ + p2φ m(a2 + c2 )

H= − mgcθ
2[m(a2 + c2 )(I + ma2 ) − m2 a4 ]
From the equations of motion, we can solve for the motion of the system.
(duh!) Here are the EOM:
∂H
− = ṗθ = mgc
∂θ
∂H
− = ṗφ = 0
∂φ
∂H (I + ma2 )pθ − ma2 pφ
= θ̇ =
∂pθ m(a2 + c2 )(I + ma2 ) − m2 a4
∂H −ma2 pθ + pφ m(a2 + c2 )
= φ̇ =
∂pφ m(a2 + c2 )(I + ma2 ) − m2 a4
To solve for the motion, lets use the boundary conditions. θ̇(0) = φ̇(0) = 0
leads to pφ (0) = pθ (0) = 0 leads to
pθ = mgct pφ = 0
6
Pluggin and chuggin into θ̇ and φ̇ and integrating, yields the motion
−m2 a2 gct2
φ=
2[m(a2 + c2 )(I + ma2 ) − m2 a4 ]
(I + ma2 )mgct2
θ=
2[m(a2 + c2 )(I + ma2 ) − m2 a4 ]
If we plug in I = 21 M a2 where M is the mass of the cylinder, we obtain
−mgct2
φ=
2[mc2 + 21 M (a2 + c2 )]
(m + 21 M )gct2
θ=
2[mc2 + 21 M (a2 + c2 )]
8.25
Suppose that in the previous exercise the cylinder is constrained to rotate uni-
formly with angular frequency ω. Set up the Hamiltonian for the particle in an
inertial system of coordinates and also in a system fixed in the rotating cylin-
der. Identify the physical nature of the Hamiltonian in each case and indicate
whether or not the Hamiltonians are conserved.
Answer:
In the laboratory system, the particle moves through an angle ψ = θ + φ.

The cylinder moves uniformly, φ = ωt, so the kinetic energy
1 1
T = ma2 (θ̇ + φ̇)2 + mc2 θ̇2
2 2
may be expressed
1 1
T = ma2 ψ̇ 2 + mc2 (ψ̇ − ω)2
2 2
The potential energy may be written
U = −mgc(ψ − ωt)
So we have
1
L= m(a2 ψ̇ 2 + c2 (ψ̇ − ω)2 ) + mgc(ψ − ωt)
2
∂L
= p = ma2 ψ̇ + mc2 (ψ̇ − ω)
∂ q̇
and with
1
H= (p̃ − a)T −1 (p̃ − a) − L0
2
7
we find T −1 from
1 ˜ −1
L= q̇ T q̇ + q̇a + L0
2
We can see things better if we spread out L
1 1 1
L= ma2 ψ̇ 2 + mc2 ψ̇ 2 − mc2 ω ψ̇ + mc2 ω 2 + mgc(ψ − ωt)
2 2 2
so
1 2 2
L0 = mc ω + mgc(ψ − ωt)
2
and
T = [ma2 + mc2 ]
1
T −1 =
m(a2 + c2 )
Therefore, for our Hamiltonian, we have
(p − mc2 ω)2 mc2 ω 2

Hlab = 2 2
− − mgc(ψ − ωt)
2m(a + c ) 2
This is dependent on time, therefore it is not the total energy.
For the Hamiltonian in the rotating cylinder’s frame, we express the move-
ment in terms of the angle θ this is with respect to the cylinder.
ψ = θ + φ = θ + ωt
ψ̇ = θ̇ + φ̇ = θ̇ + ω
1 1
T = ma2 (θ̇ + ω)2 + mc2 θ̇2
2 2
U = −mgcθ
1 1
L= ma2 (θ̇ + ω)2 + mc2 θ̇2 + mgcθ
2 2
1˜
L = q̇ T q̇ + q̇a + L0
2
Spread out L
1 1
L= [ma2 + mc2 ]θ̇2 + ma2 θ̇ω + ma2 ω 2 + mgcθ
2 2
It becomes clear that
8
T = [ma2 + mc2 ]
1
T −1 =
ma2 + mc2
1
L0 = ma2 ω + mgcθ
2
Using again,
1
H= (p − a)T −1 (p − a) − L0
2
we may write
(p − ma2 ω)2 1
H= 2 2
− ma2 ω − mgcθ
2m(a + c ) 2
This is not explicitly dependent on time, it is time-independent, thus con-
served.
9
Homework 10: # 9.2, 9.6, 9.16, 9.31
Michael Good
Nov 2, 2004
9.2
Show that the transformation for a system of one degree of freedom,
Q = q cos α − p sin α
P = q sin α + p cos α
satisfies the symplectic condition for any value of the parameter α. Find a
generating function for the transformation. What is the physical significance of
the transformation for α = 0? For α = π/2? Does your generating function
work for both of these cases?
Answer:
The symplectic condition is met if
M J M̃ = J
We can find M from
ζ̇ = M η̇
which is

Q̇ cos α − sin α q̇
=
Ṗ sin α cos α ṗ
We know J to be

0 1
J=
−1 0
Solving M J M̃ we get

− sin α cos α
M (J M̃ ) = M
− cos α − sin α

cos α − sin α − sin α cos α 0 1
M J M̃ = =
sin α cos α − cos α − sin α −1 0
1
Therefore
M J M̃ = J
and the symplectic condition is met for this transformation. To find the
generating function, I will first attempt an F1 type and proceed to solve, and
check at the end if there are problems with it. Rearranging to solve for p(Q, q)
we have
Q q cos α
p=− +
sin α sin α
The related equation for F1 is
∂F1
p=
∂q
Integrating for F1 yields
Qq q 2 cos α
F1 = − + + g(Q)
sin α 2 sin α
Solve the other one, that is P (Q, q), it along with its relevant equation is
Q cos α q cos2 α
P = q sin α − +
sin α sin α
∂F1
P =−
∂Q
Integrating
Q2 1
−F1 = qQ sin α − cot α + qQ( − sin α) + h(q)
2 sin α
Q2 qQ
−F1 = − cot α + + h(q)
2 sin α
Q2 qQ
F1 = cot α − + h(q)
2 sin α
Using both F1 ’s we find
Qq 1
F1 = − + (q 2 + Q2 ) cot α
sin α 2
This has a problem. It blows up, sky high, when α = nπ. But otherwise its
ok, lets put the condition, α 6= nπ. If we solve for F2 we may be able to find
out what the generating function is, and have it work for the holes, α = nπ.
F2 (q, P, t)’s relevant equations are
∂F2
p=
∂q
2
P q sin α
p= −
cos α cos α
Pq q2
F2 = − tan α + f (P )
cos α 2
and
∂F2
Q=
∂P
Q = q cos α − (P − q sin α) tan α
P2 sin2 α
F2 = qP cos α − tan α + qP + g(q)
2 cos α
1 P2
F2 = qP (cos α + − cos α) − tan α + g(q)
cos α 2
qP P2
F2 = − tan α + g(q)
cos α 2
So therefore
1 qP
F2 = − (q 2 + P 2 ) tan α +
2 cos α
This works for α = nπ but blows sky high for α = (n+ 21 )π. So I’ll put a con-
dition on F2 that α 6= (n + 12 )π. The physical significance of this transformation
for α = 0 is easy to see cause we get
Q = q cos 0 − p sin 0 = q
P = q sin 0 − p cos 0 = p
This is just the identity transformation, or no rotation. For α = π/2 we get
π π
Q = q cos − p sin = −p
2 2
π π
P = q sin − p cos = q
2 2
Where the p’s and q’s have been exchanged.
3
9.6 The transformation equations between two sets of coordinates are
Q = log(1 + q 1/2 cos p)

P = 2(1 + q 1/2 cos p)q 1/2 sin p
• Show directly from these transformation equations that Q, P are canonical

variables if q and p are.
• Show that the function that generates this transformation is
F3 = −(eQ − 1)2 tan p
Answer:
Q and P are considered canonical variables if these transformation equations

satisfy the symplectic condition.
M J M̃ = J
Finding M :
ζ̇ = M η̇

Q̇ q̇
=M
Ṗ ṗ
!
∂Q ∂Q
∂ζi ∂q ∂p
Mij = M= ∂P ∂P
∂ηj ∂q ∂p
∂Q q −1/2 cos p
=
∂q 2(1 + q 1/2 cos p)
∂Q −q 1/2 sin p
=
∂p 1 + q 1/2 cos p
∂P
= q −1/2 sin p + 2 cos p sin p
∂q
∂P
= 2q 1/2 cos p + 2q cos2 p − 2q sin2 p
∂p
Remembering
cos2 A − sin2 A = cos 2A and 2 sin A cos A = sin 2A

cos(A − B) = cos A cos B + sin A sin B
4
we can proceed with ease.
!
q −1/2 cos p −q 1/2 sin p

0 1 2(1+q 1/2 cos p) 1+q 1/2 cos p
JM =
−1 0 q −1/2
sin p + sin 2p 2q 1/2 cos p + 2q cos 2p
!
q −1/2 sin p + sin 2p 2q 1/2 cos p + 2q cos 2p
JM = q −1/2 cos p q 1/2 sin p
− 2(1+q 1/2 cos p) 1+q 1/2 cos p
Now
q −1/2 cos p
! !
2(1+q 1/2 cos p)
q −1/2 sin p + sin 2p q −1/2 sin p + sin 2p 2q 1/2 cos p + 2q cos 2p
M̃ JM = −q 1/2 sin p q −1/2 cos p q 1/2 sin p
2q 1/2 cos p + 2q cos 2p − 2(1+q 1/2 cos p) 1+q 1/2 cos p
1+q 1/2 cos p
You may see that the diagonal terms disappear, and we are left with some
algebra for the off-diagonal terms.

0 messy
M̃ JM =
ugly 0
Lets solve for ugly.
−q 1/2 sin p −1/2 q −1/2 cos p

ugly = (q sin p+sin 2p)− (2q 1/2 cos p+2q cos 2p)
1 + q 1/2 cos p 2(1 + q 1/2 cos p)
− sin2 p − q 1/2 sin p sin 2p − cos2 p − q 1/2 cos p cos 2p

ugly =
1 + q 1/2 cos p
−(1 + q 1/2 (cos 2p cos p + sin 2p sin p))

ugly =
1 + q 1/2 cos p
−(1 + q 1/2 cos p)

ugly = = −1
1 + q 1/2 cos p
Not so ugly anymore, eh? Suddenly ugly became pretty. The same works
for messy except it becomes positive 1 because it has no negative terms out
front. So finally we get

0 1
M̃ JM = =J
−1 0
which is the symplectic condition, which proves Q and P are canonical vari-
ables. To show that
F3 = −(eQ − 1)2 tan p
5
generates this transformation we may take the relevant equations for F3 ,
solve them, and then solve for our transformation equations.
∂F3
q=− = −[−(eQ − 1)2 sec2 p]
∂p
∂F3
P =− = −[−2(eQ − 1) tan p]eQ
∂Q
Solving for Q
q = (eQ − 1)2 sec2 p

√
q
1+ p = eQ
sec2 p
Q = ln(1 + q 1/2 cos p)
This is one of our transformation equations, now lets plug this into the
expression for P and put P in terms of q and p to get the other one.
P = 2(1 + q 1/2 cos p − 1) tan p(1 + q 1/2 cos p)
P = 2q 1/2 sin p(1 + q 1/2 cos p)

Thus F3 is the generating function of our transformation equations.
9.16
For a symmetric rigid body, obtain formulas for evaluating the Poisson brackets
[φ̇, f (θ, φ, ψ)] [ψ̇, f (θ, φ, ψ)]

where θ, φ, and ψ are the Euler angles, and f is any arbitrary function of the
Euler angles.
Answer:
Poisson brackets are defined by

∂u ∂v ∂u ∂v
[u, v]q,p = −
∂qi ∂pi ∂pi ∂qi
From Goldstein’s section on Euler angles, we learned
I1 b − I1 a cos θ pφ − pψ cos θ
φ̇ = =
I1 sin2 θ I1 sin2 θ
So calculating
pφ − pψ cos θ
[φ̇, f ] = [ , f]
I1 sin2 θ
6
Note that f = f (θ, φ, ψ) and not of momenta. So our definition becomes
∂ φ̇ ∂f
[φ̇, f ] = −
∂pi ∂qi
Taking only two derivatives because φ̇ doesn’t depend on pθ . We get
1 ∂f cos θ ∂f
[φ̇, f ] = (− )+( )
I1 sin2 θ ∂φ I1 sin2 θ ∂ψ
1 ∂f ∂f
[φ̇, f ] = (− + cos θ)
I1 sin2 θ ∂ψ ∂ψ
For the next relation,
∂ ψ̇ ∂f
[ψ̇, f ] = −
∂pi ∂qi
and
pψ pφ − pψ cos θ
ψ̇ = − cos θ
I3 I1 sin2 θ
This yields
1 cos2 θ ∂f cos θ ∂f
[ψ̇, f ] = −( + ) + −(− )
I3 I1 sin2 θ ∂ψ I1 sin2 θ ∂ψ
I1 sin2 θ I3 cos2 θ ∂f I3 cos θ ∂f

[ψ̇, f ] = −( 2 + 2 ) ∂ψ +
I3 I1 sin θ I3 I1 sin θ I3 I1 sin2 θ ∂φ
1 ∂f ∂f
[ψ̇, f ] = (I3 cos θ − (I3 cos2 θ + I1 sin2 θ) )
I3 I1 sin2 θ ∂φ ∂ψ
Both together, in final form
1 ∂f ∂f
[φ̇, f ] = 2 (− ∂ψ + ∂ψ cos θ)
I1 sin θ
1 ∂f 2 2 ∂f
[ψ̇, f ] = 2 (I3 cos θ ∂φ − (I3 cos θ + I1 sin θ) ∂ψ )
I3 I1 sin θ
9.31
Show by the use of Poisson brackets that for one-dimensional harmonic oscillator
there is a constant of the motion u defined as
r
k
u(q, p, t) = ln(p + imωq) − iωt, ω =
m
What is the physical significance of this constant of motion?
7
Answer:
We have
du ∂u
= [u, H] +
dt ∂t
which we must prove equals zero if u is to be a constant of the motion. The
Hamiltonian is
p2 kq 2
H(q, p) = +
2m 2
So we have
du ∂u ∂H ∂u ∂H ∂u
= − +
dt ∂q ∂p ∂p ∂q ∂t
du imω p 1
= ( )− (kq) − iω
dt p + imωq m p + imωq
du iωp − kq iωp − mω 2 q
= − iω = − iω
dt p + imωq p + imωq
du p + iωmq
= iω − iω = iω − iω
dt p + imωq
du
=0
dt
Its physical significance relates to phase.
Show Jacobi’s Identity holds. Show
[f, gh] = g[f, h] + [f, g]h

where the brackets are Poisson.
Answer:
Goldstein verifies Jacobi’s identity
[u, [v, w]] + [v, [w, u]] + [w, [u, v]] = 0
using an efficient notation. I will follow his lead. If we say

∂u ∂v
ui ≡ vij ≡
∂ηi ∂ηi ∂ηj
Then a simple way of expressing the Poisson bracket becomes apparent
[u, v] = ui Jij vj
8
This notation becomes valuable when expressing the the double Poisson
bracket. Here we have
[u, [v, w]] = ui Jij [v, w]j = ui Jij (vk Jkl wl )j

Taking the partial with respect to ηj we use the product rule, remembering
Jkl are just constants,
[u, [v, w]] = ui Jij (vkj Jkl wl + vk Jkl wlj )

doing this for the other two double Poisson brackets, we get 4 more terms,
for a total of 6. Looking at one double partial term, w we see there are only
two terms that show up
Jij Jkl ui vk wlj and Jji Jkl ui vk wjl

The first from [u, [v, w]] and the second from [v, [w, u]]. Add them up, real-
izing order of partial is immaterial, and J is antisymmetric:
(Jij + Jji )Jkl ui vk wlj = 0

All the other terms are made of second partials of u or v and disappear in
the same manner. Therefore
[u, [v, w]] + [v, [w, u]] + [w, [u, v]] = 0
Its ok to do the second property the long way:
∂f ∂(gh) ∂f ∂(gh)
[f, gh] = −
∂qi ∂pi ∂pi ∂qi
∂f ∂g ∂h ∂f ∂h ∂g
[f, gh] = ( h+g )− (g + h)
∂qi ∂pi ∂pi ∂pi ∂qi ∂qi
Grouping terms
∂f ∂g ∂f ∂g ∂f ∂h ∂f ∂h
[f, gh] = h− h+g −g
∂qi ∂pi ∂pi ∂qi ∂qi ∂pi ∂pi ∂qi
[f, gh] = [f, g]h + g[f, h]
9
Homework 11: # 10.7 b, 10.17, 10.26
Michael Good
Nov 2, 2004
10.7
• A single particle moves in space under a conservative potential. Set up

the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in ellipsoidal coordinates u, v, φ defined in
terms of the usual cylindrical coordinates r, z, φ by the equations.
r = a sinh v sin u z = a cosh v cos u
For what forms of V (u, v, φ) is the equation separable.

• Use the results above to reduce to quadratures the problem of point parti-
cle of mass m moving in the gravitational field of two unequal mass points
fixed on the z axis a distance 2a apart.
Answer:
Let’s obtain the Hamilton Jacobi equation. This will be used to reduce the
problem to quadratures. This is an old usage of the word quadratures, and
means to just get the problem into a form where the only thing left to do is take
an integral.
Here
1 2 1 1
T = mṙ + mż 2 + mr2 φ̇2
2 2 2
r = a sinh v sin u
ṙ = a cosh v sin uv̇ + a sinh v cos uu̇
z = a cosh v cos u
ż = a sinh v cos uv̇ − a cosh v sin uu̇
Here
ṙ2 + ż 2 = a2 (cosh2 v sin2 u+sinh2 v cos2 u)(v̇ 2 + u̇2 ) = a2 (sin2 u+sinh2 v)(v̇ 2 + u̇2 )
1
To express in terms of momenta use
∂L
pv = = ma2 (sin2 u + sinh2 v)v̇
∂ v̇
∂L
pu = = ma2 (sin2 u + sinh2 v)u̇
∂ u̇
because the potential does not depend on v̇ or u̇. The cyclic coordinate φ
yields a constant I’ll call αφ
pφ = mr2 φ̇ = αφ
So our Hamiltonian is
p2v + p2u p2φ

H= + +V
2ma2 (sin2 u + sinh v) 2ma2 sinh2 v sin2 u
2
To find our Hamilton Jacobi expression, the principle function applies
S = Wu + Wv + αφ φ − Et
So our Hamilton Jacobi equation is
1 ∂Wu 2 ∂Wv 2 1 ∂Wφ 2

2 [( ) +( ) ]+ 2 ( ) +V (u, v, φ) = E
2ma2 (sin2 u + sinh v) ∂u ∂v 2
2ma sinh v sin u ∂φ
2
This is
1 ∂Wu 2 ∂Wv 2 1 1 1
[( ) +( ) ]+ ( + )α2 +(sin2 u+sinh2 v)V (u, v, φ) = (sin2 u+sinh2 v)E
2ma2 ∂u ∂v 2ma2 sinh2 v sin2 u φ
A little bit more work is necessary. Once we solve for V (u, v, φ) we can then
separate this equation into u, v and φ parts, at which point we will have only
integrals to take.
I suggest drawing a picture, with two point masses on the z axis, with the
origin being between them, so they are each a distance a from the origin. The
potential is then formed from two pieces
GmM1 GmM2
V =− −
|~r − aẑ| |~r + aẑ|
To solve for the denominators use the Pythagorean theorem, remembering
we are in cylindrical coordinates,
|~r ∓ aẑ|2 = (z ∓ a)2 + r2

Using the results from part (a) for r and z,
|~r ∓ aẑ|2 = a2 (cosh v cos u ∓ 1)2 + a2 sinh2 v sin2 u
2
|~r ∓ aẑ|2 = a2 (cosh2 v cos2 u ∓ 2 cosh v cos u + 1 + sinh2 v sin2 u)
Lets rearrange this to make it easy to see the next step,
|~r ∓ aẑ|2 = a2 (sinh2 v sin2 u + cosh2 v cos2 u + 1 ∓ 2 cosh v cos u)
Now convert the sin2 u = 1 − cos2 u and convert the cosh2 v = 1 + sinh2 v
|~r ∓ aẑ|2 = a2 (sinh2 v + cos2 u + 1 ∓ 2 cosh v cos u)

Add the 1 and cosh2 v
|~r ∓ aẑ|2 = a2 (cosh2 v + cos2 u ∓ 2 cosh v cos u)

|~r ∓ aẑ|2 = (a(cosh v ∓ cos u))2
So our potential is now
GmM1 GmM2
V =− −
a(cosh v − cos u) a(cosh v + cos u)
1 GmM1 (cosh v + cos u) + GmM2 (cosh v − cos u)
V =−
a cosh2 v − cos2 u
Note the very helpful substitution
cosh2 v − cos2 u = sin2 u + sinh2 v

Allowing us to write V
1 GmM1 (cosh v + cos u) + GmM2 (cosh v − cos u)

V =−
a sin2 u + sinh2 v
Plug this into our Hamilton Jacobi equation, and go ahead and separate out
u and v terms, introducing another constant, A:
1 ∂Wu 2 1 αφ2 1
( ) + − Gm(M1 − M2 ) cos u − E sin2 u = A
2ma2 ∂u 2ma2 sin2 u a
1 ∂Wv 2 1 αφ2 1
( ) + − Gm(M1 − M2 ) cosh v − E sinh2 v = −A
2ma2 ∂v 2ma sinh2 v a
2
The problem has been reduced to quadratures.
3
10.17
Solve the problem of the motion of a point projectile in a vertical plane, using
the Hamilton-Jacobi method. Find both the equation of the trajectory and the
dependence of the coordinates on time, assuming the projectile is fired off at
time t = 0 from the origin with the velocity v0 , making an angle θ with the
horizontal.
Answer:
I’m going to assume the angle is θ because there are too many α’s in the
problem to begin with. First we find the Hamiltonian,
p2x p2y
H= + + mgy
2m 2m
Following the examples in section 10.2, we set up the Hamiltonian-Jacobi
equation by setting p = ∂S/∂q and we get
1 ∂S 2 1 ∂S 2 ∂S
( ) + ( ) + mgy + =0
2m ∂x 2m ∂y ∂t
The principle function is
S(x, αx , y, α, t) = Wx (x, αx ) + Wy (y, α) − αt

Because x is not in the Hamiltonian, it is cyclic, and a cyclic coordinate has
the characteristic component Wqi = qi αi .
S(x, αx , y, α, t) = xαx + Wy (y, α) − αt

Expressed in terms of the characteristic function, we get for our Hamiltonian-
Jacobi equation
αx2 1 ∂Wy 2
+ ( ) + mgy = α
2m 2m ∂y
This is
∂Wy p
= 2mα − αx2 − 2m2 gy
∂y
Integrated, we have
1
Wy (y, α) = − (2mα − αx2 − 2m2 gy)3/2
3m2 g
Thus our principle function is
1
S(x, αx , y, α, t) = xαx + − (2mα − αx2 − 2m2 gy)3/2 − αt
3m2 g
Solving for the coordinates,
4
∂S 1
β= =− (2mα − αx2 − 2m2 gy)1/2 − t
∂α mg
∂S αx
βx = = x + 2 (2mα − αx2 − 2m2 gy)1/2
∂αx m g
Solving for both x(t) and y(t) in terms of the constants β, βx , α and αx
g α αx2
y(t) = − (t + β)2 + −
2 mg 2m2 g
αx 1
x(t) = βx + (− (2mα − αx2 − 2m2 gy)1/2 )
m mg
Our x(t) is
αx
x(t) = βx + (β + t)
m
We can solve for our constants in terms of our initial velocity, and angle θ
through initial conditions,
αx
x(0) = 0 → βx = − β
m
g α αx2
y(0) = 0 → − β 2 + − =0
2 mg 2m2 g
αx
ẋ(0) = v0 cos θ =
m
ẏ(0) = v0 sin θ = −gβ
Thus we have for our constants
v0 sin θ
β=
−g
v02
βx = cos θ sin θ
g
mg 2 2 mv02
α= (v0 sin θ + v02 cos2 θ) =
2g 2
αx = mv0 cos θ
Now our y(t) is
g v0 sin θ 2 v02 v 2 cos2 θ

y(t) = − (t + ) + − 0
2 g g 2g
g g v02 sin2 θ v02 v02 cos2 θ

y(t) = − t2 + v0 sin θt − + −
2 2 g2 g 2g
5
g
y(t) = − t2 + v0 sin θt
2
and for x(t)
v02 v0 sin θ
x(t) = cos θ sin θ + v0 cos θ + v0 cos θt
g −g
x(t) = v0 cos θt
Together we have
g
y(t) = − t2 + v0 sin θt
2
x(t) = v0 cos θt
10.26
Set up the problem of the heavy symmetrical top, with one point fixed, in the
Hamilton-Jacobi mehtod, and obtain the formal solution to the motion as given
by Eq. (5.63).
Answer:
This is the form we are looking for.

Z u(t)
du
t= p
u(0) (1 − u )(α − βu) − (b − au)2
2
Expressing the Hamiltonian in terms of momenta like we did in the previous

problem, we get
p2ψ p2 (pφ − pψ cos θ)2

H= + θ + + M gh cos θ
2I3 2I1 2I1 sin2 θ
Setting up the principle function, noting the cyclic coordinates, we see
S(θ, E, ψ, αψ , φ, αφ , t) = Wθ (θ, E) + ψαψ + φαφ − Et

Using
∂S
=p
∂q
we have for our Hamilton-Jacobi equation, solved for the partial S’s
2
αψ 1 ∂Wθ 2 (αφ − αψ cos θ)2
+ ( ) + + M gh cos θ = E
2I3 2I1 ∂θ 2I1 sin2 θ
Turning this inside out:
6
s
2I
αψ
∂ 1 (αφ − αψ cos θ)2
Wθ (θ, E) = 2I1 E − − − 2I1 M gh cos θ
∂θ I3 sin2 θ
When integrated,
2
αψ I1 (αφ − αψ cos θ)2
Z
Wθ = (2I1 E − − − 2I1 M gh cos θ)1/2 dθ
I3 sin2 θ
Now we are in a position to solve
∂S ∂Wθ
βθ = = −t
∂E ∂E
Z
∂Wθ 2I1 dθ
= βθ + t = α2ψ I1
∂E 2(2I1 E − −
(αφ −αψ cos θ)2
− 2I1 M gh cos θ)1/2
I3 sin2 θ
Using the same constants Goldstein uses

α2ψ 2
2E − I32E αψ
α= −=
I1 I1 I3 I1
2M gl
β=
I1
where
αφ = I1 b
αψ = I1 a
and making these substitutions
Z
I1 dθ
βθ + t = α2ψ cos θ)2
(I1 (2E − I3 ) − I12 (b−a
sin2 θ
− I1 2M gh cos θ)1/2
Z
dθ
βθ + t = (b−a cos θ)2
(α − sin2 θ − β cos θ)1/2
For time t, the value of θ is θ(t)
Z θ(t)
dθ
t= (b−a cos θ)2
θ(0) (α − sin2 θ
− β cos θ)1/2
The integrand is the exact expression as Goldstein’s (5.62). Making the
substitution u = cos θ we arrive home
Z u(t)
du
t= p
u(0) (1 − u )(α − βu) − (b − au)2
2
7
Homework 12: # 10.13, 10.27, Cylinder
Michael Good
Nov 28, 2004
10.13
A particle moves in periodic motion in one dimension under the influence of a
potential V (x) = F |x|, where F is a constant. Using action-angle variables, find
the period of the motion as a function of the particle’s energy.
Solution:
Define the Hamiltonian of the particle
p2
H≡E= + F |q|
2m
Using the action variable definition, which is Goldstein’s (10.82):
I
J = p dq
we have
I p
J= 2m(E − F q) dq
For F is greater than zero, we have only the first quadrant, integrated from
q = 0 to q = E/F (where p = 0). Multiply this by 4 for all of phase space and
our action variable J becomes
Z E/F √ p
J =4 2m E − F q dq
0
A lovely u-substitution helps out nicely here.
u = E − Fq → du = −F dq
Z 0 √ 1
J =4 2mu1/2 du
E −F
√ Z E
√
4 2m 8 2m 3/2
J= u1/2 du = E
F 0 3F
1
Goldstein’s (10.95) may help us remember that
∂H
=ν
∂J
and because E = H and τ = 1/ν,
∂J
τ=
∂E
This is
√
∂ 8 2m 3/2
τ= [ E ]
∂E 3F
And our period is
√
4 2mE
τ=
F
10.27
Describe the phenomenon of small radial oscillations about steady circular mo-
tion in a central force potential as a one-dimensional problem in the action-angle
formalism. With a suitable Taylor series expansion of the potential, find the pe-
riod of the small oscillations. Express the motion in terms of J and its conjugate
angle variable.
Solution:
As a reminder, Taylor series go like

1 00
f (x) = f (a) + (x − a)f 0 (a) +
(x − a)2 f (a) + ...
2!
Lets expand around some r0 for our potential,
1 00
U (r) = U (r0 ) + (r − r0 )U 0 (r0 ) + (r − r0 )2 U (r0 ) + ...
2
Using the form of the Hamiltonian, involving two degrees of freedom, in
polar coordinates,(eq’n 10.65) we have
1 2 l2
H= (p + ) + V (r)
2m r r2
Defining a new equivalent potential, U (r) the Hamiltonian becomes
1 2
H= p + U (r)
2m r
The r0 from above will be some minimum of U (r),
l2
U 0 (r0 ) = − + V 0 (r0 ) = 0
mr03
2
The second derivative is the only contribution
3l2
U 00 = + V 00 (r0 ) = k
mr04
where k > 0 because we are at a minimum that is concave up. If there is a
small oscillation about circular motion we may let
r = r0 + λ
where λ will be very small compared to r0 . Thus our Hamiltonian becomes
1 2
H= p + U (r0 + λ)
2m r
This is
1 2 1
H= p + U (r0 ) + (r − r0 )2 U 00 (r0 )
2m r 2
1 2 1
H= p + U (r0 ) + λ2 U 00 (r0 ) = E
2m r 2
If we use the small energy defined as
= E − U (r0 )
We see
1 2 1 2
= p + λ k
2m r 2
This energy is the effect on the frequency, so following section 10.6
Jω
=
2π
We have for the action variable
r
m
J = 2π
k
and a period
r
∂J m
τ= = 2π
∂ k
with motion given by
r
J
r = r0 + sin 2πω
πmω
r
mJω
pr = cos 2πω
π
3
A particle is constrained to the edge of a cylinder. It is released and bounces
around the perimeter. Find the two frequencies of its motion using the action
angle variable formulation.
Solution:
Trivially, we know the frequency around the cylinder to be its angular speed
divided by 2π because it goes 2π radians in one revolution.
θ̇
νθ =
2π
And also simply, we may find the frequency of its up and down bouncing
through Newtonian’s equation of motion.
1 2
h= gt
2
s
2h
t=
g
Multiply this by 2 because the period will be measured from a point on the
bottom of the cylinder to when it next hits the bottom of the cylinder again.
The time it takes to fall is the same time it takes to bounce up, by symmetry.
s r
2h 1 g
T =2 → νz =
g 2 2h
To derive these frequencies via the action-angle formulation we first start by
writing down the Hamiltonian for the particle.
p2z p2θ
H ≡ E = mgz + +
2m 2mR2
Noting that pθ is constant because there is no external forces on the system,
and because θ does not appear in the Hamiltonian, therefore it is cyclic and its
conjugate momentum is constant.
pθ = mθ̇R2
we may write
Jθ = 2πpθ
based on Goldstein’s (10.101), and his very fine explanation. Breaking the
energy into two parts, one for θ and one for z, we may express the Eθ part as
a function of Jθ .
p2θ Jθ2
Eθ = =
2mR2 4π 2 2mR2
4
The frequency is
∂Eθ Jθ
νθ = =
∂Jθ 4π mR2
2
Jθ 2πpθ pθ mθ̇R2
νθ = = = =
4π 2 mR2 4π 2 mR2 2πmR2 2πmR2
Thus we have
θ̇
νθ =
2π
The second part is a bit more involved algebraically. Expressing the energy
for z:
p2z
Ez = mgz +
2m
Solving for pz and plugging into
I
J= p dq
we get
√ I
Jz = 2m (Ez − mgz)1/2 dz
we can do this closed integral by integrating from 0 to h and multiplying by

2.
h
√ 2 3/2 −1

Jz = 2 2m (Ez − mgz) ( )
3 mg 0
The original energy given to it in the z direction will be mgh, its potential
energy when released from rest. Thus the first part of this evaluated integral is
zero. Only the second part remains:
4√ 1 3/2
Jz = 2m E
3 mg z
Solved in terms of Ez
r
3 m
Ez = ( g Jz )2/3
4 2
The frequency is
r
∂Ez 2 3 m 2/3 1
νz = =( ( g ) ) 1/3
∂Jz 3 4 2 J
5
All we have to do now is plug what Jz is into this expression and simplify
the algebra. As you may already see there are many different steps to take to
simplify, I’ll show one.
r
2 3 m 2/3 1
νz = ( ( g ) ) q
3 4 2 4 2
[ 3g m (mgh)3/2 ]1/3
Now we have a wonderful mess. Lets gather the numbers, and the constants
to one side
2 3 2/3 1
3(4) 21/3 g 2/3 m1/3 g 1/3 m1/6
νz =
( 34 )1/3 21/6 m1/2 g 1/2 h1/2
You may see, with some careful observation, that the m’s cancel, and the
constant part becomes
g 1/2
h1/2
The number part simplifies down to
1
√
2 2
Thus we have
r r
1 g 1 g
νz = √ =
2 2 h 2 2h
as we were looking for from Newton’s trivial method. Yay! Our two fre-
quencies together
θ̇
νθ =
2π
r
1 g
νz =
2 2h
The condition for the same path to be retraced is that the ratio of the fre-
quencies to be a rational number. This is explained via closed Lissajous figures
and two commensurate expressions at the bottom of page 462 in Goldstein.

Goldstein Classical Mechanics Notes: 1 Chapter 1: Elementary Principles

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Goldstein Classical Mechanics Notes: 1 Chapter 1: Elementary Principles

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Goldstein Classical Mechanics Notes

1 Chapter 1: Elementary Principles

Energy Conservation Theorem for a Particle: If forces acting on a particle

The Conservation Theorem for the Linear Momentum of a Particle states

The Conservation Theorem for the Angular Momentum of a Particle states

Motion of center of mass is unaffected. This is how rockets work in space.

Total linear momentum:

Conservation Theorem for Total Angular Momentum: L is constant in time

Linear Momentum Conservation requires weak law of action and reaction.

Angular Momentum Conservation requires strong law of action and reaction.

Total Angular Momentum:

Total potential energy:

1. rheonomous constraints: time is an explicit variable...example: bead on

Difficulties with constraints:

For holonomic constraints introduce generalized coordinates. Degrees of

Examples of generalized coordinates:

1. Two angles expressing position on the sphere that a particle is constrained

For nonholonomic constraints equations expressing the constraint cannot be

1.4 D’Alembert’s Principle and Lagrange’s Equations

1.5 Velocity-Dependent Potentials and The Dissipation

mẍ = q[Ex + (v × B)x ].

1.6 Applications of the Lagrangian Formulation

Solving for ri · rj realize that rij = ri − rj . Square ri − rj and you get

3. Suppose a system of two particles is known to obey the equations of mo-

r1 × F21 + r2 × F12 = r1 × F21 + r2 × (−F21 ) = (r1 − r2 ) × F21 = r12 × F21 = 0

4. The equations of constraint for the rolling disk,

A constraint condition of this type is holonomic only if an integrating function

∂(f ) ∂(−f a sin θ)

(1) − (2) = 0 = bdθ + a(dφ − dφ0 )

(1) + (2) = 2dx = sin θa[dφ + dφ0 ]

ydx + (f (t) − x)dy = 0

Lagrangian Form = Nielsen’s Form

Let’s directly substitute L0 into Lagrange’s equations.

9. The electromagnetic field is invariant under a gauge transformation of the

10. Let q1 , ..., qn be a set of independent generalized coordinates for a system

qi = qi (s1 , ..., sn , t), i = 1, ..., n.

To find Lagrangian’s equations, we need to first find the Lagrangian.

(6.67 × 10−11 ) · (6 × 1024 ) 1

Solve for T1 first, its the easiest:

Where we know that

mσx (yvz − zvy ) + mσy (zvx − xvz ) + mσz (xvy − vx y) = σ · (r × p)

U = V (r) + mσ(xẏ − y ẋ)

x = r sin θ cos φ y = r sin θ sin φ z = r cos θ

xẏ − y ẋ = r2 sin2 θ cos2 φφ̇ + r2 sin2 θ sin2 φφ̇

U = V (r) + mσr2 sin2 θφ̇

Lets take φ for an example,

Qφ = V 0 (x sin θ sin φ − y sin θ cos φ) − 2mr sin θσ[vy sin φ + vx cos φ]

Qφ = −2mr sin θσ[vy sin φ + vx cos φ]

Qφ = 2mσr sin θ[r sin2 φ cos θθ̇ + ṙ sin θ sin2 φ

Qφ = 2mσr sin θ[r cos θθ̇ + ṙ sin θ]

mr̈ − mrθ̇2 − mr sin2 θφ̇2 = Qr

Qr = −V 0 − 2mσr sin2 θφ̇

mr̈ − mrθ̇2 − mr sin2 θφ̇2 = Qr = −V 0 − 2mσr sin2 θφ̇

mr̈ − mrθ̇2 − mr sin2 θφ̇2 + V 0 + 2mσr sin2 θφ̇ = 0

mr̈ − mrθ̇2 + mr sin2 θφ̇(2σ − φ̇) + V 0 = 0

mr2 θ̈ + 2mrṙθ̇ − mr2 sin θφ̇2 cos θ = Qθ

Qθ = −2mσr2 sin θ cos θφ̇

mr2 θ̈ + 2mrṙθ̇ + mr2 sin θ cos θφ̇(2σ − φ̇) = 0

Qφ = 2mσr2 sin θ cos θθ̇ + 2mσrṙ sin2 θ