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Assignment 1

The document outlines Assignment 1 for the PH-217: Classical Mechanics course, due on September 2, 2024. It consists of ten questions covering various topics in classical mechanics, including virtual work, light paths in varying refractive indices, Lagrange's multipliers, Galilean invariance, central forces, and equations of motion for connected masses. Each question requires the application of principles and methods from classical mechanics to derive specific results or prove certain properties.

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12 views2 pages

Assignment 1

The document outlines Assignment 1 for the PH-217: Classical Mechanics course, due on September 2, 2024. It consists of ten questions covering various topics in classical mechanics, including virtual work, light paths in varying refractive indices, Lagrange's multipliers, Galilean invariance, central forces, and equations of motion for connected masses. Each question requires the application of principles and methods from classical mechanics to derive specific results or prove certain properties.

Uploaded by

bindalujjwal6578578
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Assignment 1

PH-217: Classical Mechanics

Due on 2 September 2024

Q1: Using the principle of virtual work, show that a system of N particles tends to minimize
its potential energy when externally applied forces are of conservative origin.

Q2: Assume that the refractive index of the earth’s atmosphere increases as n2 ( x ) = 1 + αx
where α is a positive constant and x increases in the downward direction. Use Fermat’s principle
and calculus of variation to find the equation y( x ) of the path followed by the light.

Q3: In the class, we solved the problem of a circular hoop rolling down an inclined plane
using the method of Lagrange’s multipliers. We used the constraint equation as dx − Rdθ = 0.
Solve the same problem starting with constraint equation Rdθ − dx = 0 instead. What do you
find?

Q4: Galilean invariance: Prove that a frame moving with a constant velocity with respect to
an inertial frame is also inertial.

Q5: Using Euler Lagrange’s equation, show that a Lagrangian function of the form L ∼ aq˙4
does not satisfy Galilean invariance whereas L ∼ aq˙2 does.

Q6: Show that for a particle moving under the influence of a central force;
(a) Its angular momentum remains conserved.
(b) Motion always takes place in a plane.
(c) Its areal velocity (area/time) around the axis of rotation remains constant.

1
Q7: Two masse m1 & m2 are connected to each other as well as to fixed walls with springs of
spring constants k3 , k1 and k2 respectively. Suppose at any time t, they get displaced by x1 and
x2 respectively.
(a) Write down the Lagrangian of the system.
(b) Write Lagrange’s equarions.
(c) From Lagrange’s equations, comment on what happens when the masses are not connected
to each other.

Q8: Derive the equations of motion for Atwood’s machine (masses m1 and m2 attached to-
gether with an in-extensible string of length l passing through a frictionless and massless pulley).
Also obtain the expression for the tension force in the string.

Q9: Using the differential equation of the orbit derived in the class, find the central force
under which the mass will trace out an orbit described by r = a(1 + cos θ ). Analyze the orbit
using the energy diagram.

Q10: Consider two masses m1 & m2 connected together in the configuration as shown below.
Using k as the spring constant and the length, l, as constants, derive the equations of motion of
both masses. Also obtain the expression for the constraint force present in the system.

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