Hamilton's equations

Classical Mechanics (Fall, 2007)

November 19, 2007
The Hamiltonian function determines the evolution of a system
Closed cycles in phase space represents a conservation law
Hamilton's equations are first order equations of motion. Newton's equations are second order equations of motion.
Canonical momentum appears in Hamilton's equations rather than velocity.
Derive the conditions for energy conservation.
Topics: 
  • Energy conservation
  • Phase space
  • Canonical momentum
  • Poisson bracket
  • Hamilton's equations