Lagrangian for a free particle

In summary, Landau's Mechanics discusses the relationship between inertial frames \textit{K} and \textit{K'} and how the equations of motion must have the same form in every frame. This means that the Lagrangian L(v^2) must be converted into a function L' that is only different from L(v^2) by the total time derivative of a function of coordinates and time. The variable in the two Lagrangians can be either \textbf{v} or \textbf{v}'. The most general symmetry transformation is one that leaves the first variation of the action invariant, and this is achieved when the Lagrangian in terms of the transformed variables is only different from the original Lagrang
  • #1
Steven Wang
8
0
In Landau's Mechanics, if an inertial frame [itex]\textit{K}[/itex] is moving with an infinitesimal velocity [itex]\textbf{ε}[/itex] relative to another inertial frame [itex]\textit{K'}[/itex], then [itex]\textbf{v}'=\textbf{v}+\textbf{ε}[/itex]. Since the equations of motion must have the same form in every frame, the Lagrangian [itex]L(v^2)[/itex] must be converted by this transformation into a function [itex] L'[/itex] which differs from [itex]L(v^2)[/itex], if at all, only by the total time derivative of a function of co-ordinates and time. Then he gave the formula [itex]L'=L(v'^2)=L(v^2+2\textbf{v}\bullet\textbf{ε} + \textbf{ε}^2)[/itex].
So my question is what does the sentence 'the equations of motion must have the same form in every frame' mean? Whether [itex]L'(v'^2)=L(v'^2)[/itex] or [itex]L'(v'^2)=L(v^2)[/itex]? Why?
And what is the variable in the two Lagrangians,[itex]\textbf{v}[/itex] or [itex]\textbf{v}'[/itex]?
 
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  • #2
The most general symmetry transformation is one that leaves the first variation of the action invariant since the Hamilton principle of stationary action simply says that the first variation of the action vanishes for the solutions of the equation of motion.

The action itself stays invariant, if the Langrangian in terms of the transformed variables differs from the original Lagrangian only by a total time derivative. Then of course also the first variation is invariant and thus the transformation describes a symmetry of the system.
 

Related to Lagrangian for a free particle

1. What is a Lagrangian for a free particle?

The Lagrangian for a free particle is a mathematical function that describes the dynamics of a particle moving without any external forces acting on it. It takes into account the particle's position, velocity, and mass.

2. How is the Lagrangian for a free particle different from the Lagrangian for a system of particles?

The Lagrangian for a free particle only takes into account the dynamics of a single particle, while the Lagrangian for a system of particles takes into account the interactions between multiple particles.

3. How is the Lagrangian used to derive the equations of motion for a free particle?

The Lagrangian is used in the principle of least action, which states that the path a particle takes between two points is the one that minimizes the action integral, calculated using the Lagrangian. By varying the action integral and setting it equal to zero, we can derive the equations of motion for the particle.

4. Can the Lagrangian for a free particle be used for particles with non-zero mass?

Yes, the Lagrangian for a free particle can be used for particles with non-zero mass. It is a general function that can be applied to particles with any mass, as long as there are no external forces acting on the particle.

5. What is the significance of the Lagrangian for a free particle in physics?

The Lagrangian for a free particle is a fundamental concept in classical mechanics and is used to describe the motion of particles in a variety of physical systems. It is also a key component in the development of quantum mechanics and is used to derive the Schrodinger equation.

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