Generalized coordinates and the Lagrangian

In summary, generalized coordinates are a set of parameters that uniquely define the configuration of a mechanical system, allowing for the description of motion in a more flexible way than traditional Cartesian coordinates. The Lagrangian, defined as the difference between kinetic and potential energy, is a function used in the Lagrangian formulation of classical mechanics. This formulation provides a powerful method for deriving the equations of motion for a system by applying the principle of least action, facilitating the analysis of complex systems, including those with constraints.
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GLD223
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Homework Statement
Find the degrees of freedom of the system with the given PE. What are the variables of integration? Find the Lagrangian using the generalized coordinates.
Relevant Equations
##PE = 1/2 * k_1 * R^2 + 1/2 * k_2 * (\vec{r} - vec{r_1})^2## note that ##r## and ##r_1## are vectors
So I think the mass can only move in two "coordinates" the axis of which the mass is connected to ##k_1## and the axis connecting it to ##k_2##. Therefore, the D.O.F is 2. I don't understand what it the meaning of "variables of integration" What does it mean?
Apart from that, I attempted to solve for the Lagrangian:
##T = 1/2 * m * v_m^2##
V is given
##v_m = d/dt(x_m)##
##x_m = 1/2 * \vec{r_1} + something* \hat{y} = 1/2 * r_1 * \hat{x} + something* \hat{y}##
I have no clue how to solve this. Any help would be appreciated
 

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Hi,
The problem statement is a complete mystery. No idea what ##R## is, nor what ##\vec r## is. Is ##\vec r_1## fixed? Given?

Sort out your notation. V is given means V=PE ?

##x_m## ? "##something##" ?

##\ ##
 
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FAQ: Generalized coordinates and the Lagrangian

What are generalized coordinates?

Generalized coordinates are a set of variables used in the Lagrangian formulation of mechanics to describe the configuration of a system relative to some reference configuration. They can be any parameters that uniquely define the state of the system, such as angles, lengths, or other quantities, and are not limited to traditional Cartesian coordinates.

How do generalized coordinates simplify the analysis of a mechanical system?

Generalized coordinates simplify the analysis by reducing the number of variables needed to describe the system, often aligning with the system's constraints. This allows the equations of motion to be derived more easily, focusing on the essential dynamics without being bogged down by redundant or irrelevant information.

What is the Lagrangian function?

The Lagrangian function, denoted as L, is a scalar function that summarizes the dynamics of a system. It is defined as the difference between the kinetic energy (T) and the potential energy (V) of the system, L = T - V. The Lagrangian function is used in the principle of least action to derive the equations of motion for the system.

How are the equations of motion derived using the Lagrangian?

The equations of motion are derived using the Euler-Lagrange equation, which is obtained from the principle of least action. For a generalized coordinate q_i, the Euler-Lagrange equation is given by d/dt (∂L/∂q̇_i) - ∂L/∂q_i = 0, where q̇_i is the time derivative of q_i. Solving these equations yields the equations of motion for the system.

What are the advantages of using the Lagrangian formulation over Newtonian mechanics?

The Lagrangian formulation offers several advantages over Newtonian mechanics, including the ability to handle complex systems with constraints more easily, the use of generalized coordinates which can simplify the problem, and a more straightforward way to derive conservation laws. It is particularly powerful in dealing with systems where forces are not easily described in Cartesian coordinates.

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