PHYS6001, Classical Mechanics, Fall semester 2015

Homework set 7, due Oct 29 2015

1. [10pts] Show that the Lorentz force ! F = qE + qv B can be obtained as a generalized force
from the potential
!

where ! and ! A denote the scalar potential and vector potential, ! q the charge, and ! v the velocity
of the particle. The electromagnetic field, i.e. the electric and the magnetic fields are related to
the potentials by
A
E = (r )
!
t
B= A

2. [10pts] The Lagrangian of a system is given in terms of generalized coordinates ! q1 and ! q2 by

! L = q!12 +

q!22
+ kq22 + k2 q!1q!2
2
a + bq1

Obtain the Hamiltonian and Hamilton's equations of motion and compare with Lagranges
equations of motion.
3. [10pts] A spherical pendulum of length ! l with a massless rod is supported at the origin of a
coordinate system. Use spherical coordinates as indicated.

a) Write the kinetic and potential energy and the Lagrangian in terms of the polar and azimuthal
angles ! and !
b) Determine the generalized momenta and the Hamiltonian
c) Write down Hamiltons equations of motion and compare with previous homework

4) Proof Jacobi's identity for Poisson brackets

! [u,[v,w]] + [v,[w,u]] + [w,[u,v]] = 0