Hamiltonian and Lagrangian in classical mechanics

This is because the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations are not equivalent and do not always produce the same equations of motion.
  • #1
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Is the following logic correct?:

If you have an hamiltonian, that has time has a variable explicitly, and you get the lagrangian,L, from it, and then you get an equivalent L', since L has the total time derivate of a function, both lagrangians will lead to the same equations euler-lagrange equations right? If so, and if you get you get the hamiltonian from L', and you find the hamilton equations from it will they be equal to the original hamiltonian's hamilton equations? and if they are won't the first hamiltonian's hamiltion equation have time explicitly(since the given hamiltonian has time), whereas the second hamiltonian's hamilton equations won't have time(because L' does not have time). how can they be the same?

if it is of any help, the given hamiltonian is :
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  • #2
H = p^2/2m + V(q,t)No, this logic is not correct. The Euler-Lagrange equations are derived from a Lagrangian, not from a Hamiltonian. Therefore, if you take an original Hamiltonian and convert it to a Lagrangian and then back to a Hamiltonian, the resulting Hamiltonian will not necessarily be equal to the original Hamiltonian. Additionally, the Hamiltonian equations of motion will not necessarily be the same for the two Hamiltonians.
 

Related to Hamiltonian and Lagrangian in classical mechanics

What is the Hamiltonian in classical mechanics?

The Hamiltonian in classical mechanics is a function that describes the total energy of a system. It is defined as the sum of the kinetic and potential energies of all particles in the system. In mathematical notation, it is written as H = T + V, where T is the kinetic energy and V is the potential energy.

What is the Lagrangian in classical mechanics?

The Lagrangian in classical mechanics is a function that describes the dynamics of a system. It is defined as the difference between the kinetic and potential energies of the system. In mathematical notation, it is written as L = T - V. The equations of motion for a system can be derived from the Lagrangian using the principle of least action.

What is the difference between Hamiltonian and Lagrangian in classical mechanics?

The Hamiltonian and Lagrangian are two different mathematical approaches to describe the dynamics of a system in classical mechanics. The Hamiltonian approach focuses on the total energy of the system, while the Lagrangian approach focuses on the difference between kinetic and potential energies. The Hamiltonian is used to solve for the equations of motion, while the Lagrangian is used to derive the equations of motion using the principle of least action.

How are Hamiltonian and Lagrangian related in classical mechanics?

The Hamiltonian and Lagrangian are related in classical mechanics through the principle of least action. The Lagrangian can be used to derive the equations of motion for a system, and the Hamiltonian is used to solve these equations. Additionally, the Hamiltonian can be derived from the Lagrangian using a mathematical transformation called the Legendre transformation.

What are some real-world applications of Hamiltonian and Lagrangian in classical mechanics?

The Hamiltonian and Lagrangian have many real-world applications in physics and engineering. They are used in celestial mechanics to study the motion of planets and other celestial bodies. They are also used in robotics and control systems to model the dynamics of mechanical systems. In quantum mechanics, the Hamiltonian is used to represent the energy operator, while the Lagrangian is used to derive the Schrödinger equation. These concepts are also widely used in fields such as optics, fluid mechanics, and electromagnetism.

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