Conservative and non-conservative systems

  • Thread starter Thread starter mpkannan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Systems
Click For Summary
In conservative systems, potential energy (V) is solely a function of position (q), expressed as V = V(q). However, when these systems interact with radiation, the potential energy becomes time-dependent, represented as V = V(q,t). This raises the question of whether such time-dependent potential energy indicates a non-conservative system. The discussion also touches on the Hamiltonian and Hamiltonian equations of motion, which are relevant to understanding these systems. The relationship between potential energy and system conservativeness is a key focus in the analysis.
mpkannan
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The potential energy (V) of a conservative system is a function of position (q) only. Thus, V = V(q) for any conservative system.

When a conservative system interacts with radiation (spectroscopy), then the PE of the system depends explicitly on time (t) also: V = V(q,t).

Is the latter system a non-conservative system? Is V = V(q,t) characteristic of a non-conservative system, just like V = V(q) is characteristic of a conservative system?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


 
Physics news on Phys.org
Do you know what a hamiltonian is and what the hamiltonian equations of motion are?
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

Is energy conserved is this problem?
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
3K
Is the Total Energy Change in a Closed System Always Zero?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Masses colliding due to gravitational attraction
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Rolling without slipping problem
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
3K
Is potential energy defined only for internal conservative forces?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Conservation of Momentum Problem - Mechanical and Kinetic Energies
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Temperature of two subsystems at equilibrium
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
IPHO classical mechanics: A mass falls on an exoplanet
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
945
Proving that the total mechanical energy is conserved with time
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Time dependant Potential Energy in ion trap
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K