PHYS20401 Example Sheet 1:

Lagrangian Dynamics

Terry Wyatt

1. Here are some simple problems, just to help you practice solving a system using dierent approaches. Try to nd the equation of motion for each system using all three of the following techniques: (i) Using Newtons second law: F = mx . (ii) Using conservation of energy (dE/dt = 0) and/or conservation of momentum. (iii) Writing down the Lagrangian and applying Lagranges Equation. In each case PLEASE draw a diagram of the system indicating clearly the direction of any coordinates you dene. The systems to be considered are as follows: (a) Two masses M and m are connected by a massless, inextensible string hanging vertically over a massless, frictionless pulley. (b) A simple pendulum has length l and mass m. Analyse in terms of the horizontal displacement, x, of the pendulum bob from the equilibrium position. For simplicity, you may use the approximation x l. (c) A particle of mass m is free to slide without friction down the planar surface of a stationary wedge that is inclined at an angle to the horizontal. (d) A particle of mass m is free to slide without friction down the planar surface of a wedge that is inclined at an angle to the horizontal. The wedge has mass M and is itself free to slide without friction on a horizontal planar surface. For each system can you think of any limiting cases that might help you check your answer? 2. Just for fun: You are standing on an airport conveyor belt with your trolley. The conveyor belt propels you along with speed v . You give the trolley a push and jump onto it. As a result you and the trolley end up moving with speed V relative to the conveyor belt. The combined mass of you and the trolley is m. How much work did you do? From the point of view of an observer stationary on the ground how much kinetic energy did you gain? What happened to conservation of energy!?