The quantity L = T − V is known as the lagrangian for the system, and Lagrange’s equation can then be written This form of the equation is seen more often in theoretical discussions than in the practical solution of problems. It does enable us to see one important result.
Upon inspection of the Lagrangian, we can see that there are two degrees of freedom for this problem, i.e., θ, and φ . We now need to calculate the different derivatives that compose the Lagrange equations 0 = mR2 sin φ sin ( θ ) + 2 θ φ cos ( ).
called analytical dynamics. In this course we will only deal with this method at an elementary level. Even at complex systems. These two approaches–Newton’s Law and Lagrange’s Equations–are totally compatible. No new physical laws result for one approach vs. the other. Many have argued that Lagrange’s Equations, particles and rigid bodies.
where we have defined the potential energy such that U = 0 when θ = φ = 0 . The Lagrangian is given by θ ) φ2 + Fθ Rθ. Upon inspection of the Lagrangian, we can see that there are two degrees of freedom for this problem, i.e., θ, and φ .