How do I solve for the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in a spherical forcefield?

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In summary, the Hamilton-Jacobi equation for a particle of mass m moving in a forcefield with potential V= - (K cos θ)/r2 in spherical coordinates is given by H=(pr2 / 2m)+ (pθ2 / 2mr2)+(pφ2 / 2mr2sin 2θ) + V, where H is the Hamiltonian and U is the potential energy. This equation describes the particle's motion by taking into account the kinetic and potential energies, and can be used to solve for the particle's trajectory.
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Homework Statement


A particle of mass m moves in the forcefield whose potential in spherical coordinates is V= - (K cos θ)/r2
Whrite the Hamilton-Jacobi equation describing its motion.

Homework Equations


H=(pr2 / 2m)+ (pθ2 / 2mr2)+(pφ2 / 2mr2sin 2θ) + V

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know how to do it because it's the first exercise of its kind to I have to solve
 
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  • #2
If kinetic energy is ##T(\dot{x}_i)## only and potential energy is ##V(x_i)## only, then:
$$ \frac{d\mathbf{p}_i}{dt} = -\frac{\partial{U}}{\partial{x}_i} $$
and think about what is the partial derivation on some direction. U is the potential energy.
 

FAQ: How do I solve for the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in a spherical forcefield?

1. What is the Hamilton-Jacobi equation?

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation is a partial differential equation in classical mechanics that describes the evolution of a system over time. It is used to determine the trajectories of particles in a conservative system.

2. Who discovered the Hamilton-Jacobi equation?

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation was independently discovered by William Rowan Hamilton and Carl Gustav Jacobi in the 19th century. Hamilton developed it in the context of mechanics, while Jacobi developed it in the context of optics.

3. What is the significance of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation?

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation is significant because it provides a more general and powerful approach to solving problems in classical mechanics. It allows for the use of new coordinates and simplifies the equations of motion, making it easier to analyze complex systems.

4. How is the Hamilton-Jacobi equation related to other equations in physics?

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation is closely related to other equations in physics, such as the Schrödinger equation in quantum mechanics and the eikonal equation in optics. These equations can be derived from the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in certain limits.

5. What are some applications of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation?

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation has many applications in physics, including in celestial mechanics, quantum mechanics, and fluid dynamics. It is also used in engineering and economics to model and analyze complex systems.

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