Lagrangians and Hamiltonians

Classical Mechanics (Fall, 2007)

November 12, 2007

Example simple pendulum:  derive the Euler-Lagrange equations, the kinetic energy, potential energy, Lagrangian and angular momentum. Calculate the Hamiltonian. Review the trajectory of the simple pendulum in phase space. Derive conservation of area in phase space.

Topics: 
  • Simple pendulum
  • Hamiltonian
  • Kinetic and potential energy
  • Double pendulum
  • Hamiltonian formulation
  • Phase space
  • Area in phase space is conserved
  • Lagrangian mechanics