The bookUnit 3 · Classical Mechanics68 / 83

Lagrangian formalism and generalised coordinates

Why this is asked: Write T and V in the generalised coordinate, form L = T − V, and apply d/dt(∂L/∂q̇) = ∂L/∂q. Cyclic coordinates give conserved momenta immediately.

Lagrangian mechanics

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Cyclic coordinates and the conservation laws they hand youinteractive

Central force in polar coordinates — angular momentum falls out of the Lagrangian in one line.

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