The Central Force Problem in N Dimensions∗
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Chapter 2 Introduction to Electrostatics
Chapter 2 Introduction to electrostatics 2.1 Coulomb and Gauss’ Laws We will restrict our discussion to the case of static electric and magnetic fields in a homogeneous, isotropic medium. In this case the electric field satisfies the two equations, Eq. 1.59a with a time independent charge density and Eq. 1.77 with a time independent magnetic flux density, D (r)= ρ (r) , (1.59a) ∇ · 0 E (r)=0. (1.77) ∇ × Because we are working with static fields in a homogeneous, isotropic medium the constituent equation is D (r)=εE (r) . (1.78) Note : D is sometimes written : (1.78b) D = ²oE + P .... SI units D = E +4πP in Gaussian units in these cases ε = [1+4πP/E] Gaussian The solution of Eq. 1.59 is 1 ρ0 (r0)(r r0) 3 D (r)= − d r0 + D0 (r) , SI units (1.79) 4π r r 3 ZZZ | − 0| with D0 (r)=0 ∇ · If we are seeking the contribution of the charge density, ρ0 (r) , to the electric displacement vector then D0 (r)=0. The given charge density generates the electric field 1 ρ0 (r0)(r r0) 3 E (r)= − d r0 SI units (1.80) 4πε r r 3 ZZZ | − 0| 18 Section 2.2 The electric or scalar potential 2.2 TheelectricorscalarpotentialFaraday’s law with static fields, Eq. 1.77, is automatically satisfied by any electric field E(r) which is given by E (r)= φ (r) (1.81) −∇ The function φ (r) is the scalar potential for the electric field. It is also possible to obtain the difference in the values of the scalar potential at two points by integrating the tangent component of the electric field along any path connecting the two points E (r) d` = φ (r) d` (1.82) − path · path ∇ · ra rb ra rb Z → Z → ∂φ(r) ∂φ(r) ∂φ(r) = dx + dy + dz path ∂x ∂y ∂z ra rb Z → · ¸ = dφ (r)=φ (rb) φ (ra) path − ra rb Z → The result obtained in Eq. -
Three Body Problem
PHYS 7221 - The Three-Body Problem Special Lecture: Wednesday October 11, 2006, Juhan Frank, LSU 1 The Three-Body Problem in Astronomy The classical Newtonian three-body gravitational problem occurs in Nature exclusively in an as- tronomical context and was the subject of many investigations by the best minds of the 18th and 19th centuries. Interest in this problem has undergone a revival in recent decades when it was real- ized that the evolution and ultimate fate of star clusters and the nuclei of active galaxies depends crucially on the interactions between stellar and black hole binaries and single stars. The general three-body problem remains unsolved today but important advances and insights have been enabled by the advent of modern computational hardware and methods. The long-term stability of the orbits of the Earth and the Moon was one of the early concerns when the age of the Earth was not well-known. Newton solved the two-body problem for the orbit of the Moon around the Earth and considered the e®ects of the Sun on this motion. This is perhaps the earliest appearance of the three-body problem. The ¯rst and simplest periodic exact solution to the three-body problem is the motion on collinear ellipses found by Euler (1767). Also Euler (1772) studied the motion of the Moon assuming that the Earth and the Sun orbited each other on circular orbits and that the Moon was massless. This approach is now known as the restricted three-body problem. At about the same time Lagrange (1772) discovered the equilateral triangle solution described in Goldstein (2002) and Hestenes (1999). -
Laplace-Runge-Lenz Vector
Laplace-Runge-Lenz Vector Alex Alemi June 6, 2009 1 Alex Alemi CDS 205 LRL Vector The central inverse square law force problem is an interesting one in physics. It is interesting not only because of its applicability to a great deal of situations ranging from the orbits of the planets to the spectrum of the hydrogen atom, but also because it exhibits a great deal of symmetry. In fact, in addition to the usual conservations of energy E and angular momentum L, the Kepler problem exhibits a hidden symmetry. There exists an additional conservation law that does not correspond to a cyclic coordinate. This conserved quantity is associated with the so called Laplace-Runge-Lenz (LRL) vector A: A = p × L − mkr^ (LRL Vector) The nature of this hidden symmetry is an interesting one. Below is an attempt to introduce the LRL vector and begin to discuss some of its peculiarities. A Some History The LRL vector has an interesting and unique history. Being a conservation for a general problem, it appears as though it was discovered independently a number of times. In fact, the proper name to attribute to the vector is an open question. The modern popularity of the use of the vector can be traced back to Lenz’s use of the vector to calculate the perturbed energy levels of the Kepler problem using old quantum theory [1]. In his paper, Lenz describes the vector as “little known” and refers to a popular text by Runge on vector analysis. In Runge’s text, he makes no claims of originality [1]. -
Central Forces Notes
Central Forces Corinne A. Manogue with Tevian Dray, Kenneth S. Krane, Jason Janesky Department of Physics Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331, USA [email protected] c 2007 Corinne Manogue March 1999, last revised February 2009 Abstract The two body problem is treated classically. The reduced mass is used to reduce the two body problem to an equivalent one body prob- lem. Conservation of angular momentum is derived and exploited to simplify the problem. Spherical coordinates are chosen to respect this symmetry. The equations of motion are obtained in two different ways: using Newton’s second law, and using energy conservation. Kepler’s laws are derived. The concept of an effective potential is introduced. The equations of motion are solved for the orbits in the case that the force obeys an inverse square law. The equations of motion are also solved, up to quadrature (i.e. in terms of definite integrals) and numerical integration is used to explore the solutions. 1 2 INTRODUCTION In the Central Forces paradigm, we will examine a mathematically tractable and physically useful problem - that of two bodies interacting with each other through a force that has two characteristics: (a) it depends only on the separation between the two bodies, and (b) it points along the line con- necting the two bodies. Such a force is called a central force. Perhaps the 1 most common examples of this type of force are those that follow the r2 behavior, specifically the Newtonian gravitational force between two point masses or spherically symmetric bodies and the Coulomb force between two point or spherically symmetric electric charges. -
2 Classical Field Theory
2 Classical Field Theory In what follows we will consider rather general field theories. The only guiding principles that we will use in constructing these theories are (a) symmetries and (b) a generalized Least Action Principle. 2.1 Relativistic Invariance Before we saw three examples of relativistic wave equations. They are Maxwell’s equations for classical electromagnetism, the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations. Maxwell’s equations govern the dynamics of a vector field, the vector potentials Aµ(x) = (A0, A~), whereas the Klein-Gordon equation describes excitations of a scalar field φ(x) and the Dirac equation governs the behavior of the four- component spinor field ψα(x)(α =0, 1, 2, 3). Each one of these fields transforms in a very definite way under the group of Lorentz transformations, the Lorentz group. The Lorentz group is defined as a group of linear transformations Λ of Minkowski space-time onto itself Λ : such that M M→M ′µ µ ν x =Λν x (1) The space-time components of Λ are the Lorentz boosts which relate inertial reference frames moving at relative velocity ~v. Thus, Lorentz boosts along the x1-axis have the familiar form x0 + vx1/c x0′ = 1 v2/c2 − x1 + vx0/c x1′ = p 1 v2/c2 − 2′ 2 x = xp x3′ = x3 (2) where x0 = ct, x1 = x, x2 = y and x3 = z (note: these are components, not powers!). If we use the notation γ = (1 v2/c2)−1/2 cosh α, we can write the Lorentz boost as a matrix: − ≡ x0′ cosh α sinh α 0 0 x0 x1′ sinh α cosh α 0 0 x1 = (3) x2′ 0 0 10 x2 x3′ 0 0 01 x3 The space components of Λ are conventional three-dimensional rotations R. -
Electromagnetic Fields and Energy
MIT OpenCourseWare http://ocw.mit.edu Haus, Hermann A., and James R. Melcher. Electromagnetic Fields and Energy. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1989. ISBN: 9780132490207. Please use the following citation format: Haus, Hermann A., and James R. Melcher, Electromagnetic Fields and Energy. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare). http://ocw.mit.edu (accessed [Date]). License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike. Also available from Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1989. ISBN: 9780132490207. Note: Please use the actual date you accessed this material in your citation. For more information about citing these materials or our Terms of Use, visit: http://ocw.mit.edu/terms 8 MAGNETOQUASISTATIC FIELDS: SUPERPOSITION INTEGRAL AND BOUNDARY VALUE POINTS OF VIEW 8.0 INTRODUCTION MQS Fields: Superposition Integral and Boundary Value Views We now follow the study of electroquasistatics with that of magnetoquasistat ics. In terms of the flow of ideas summarized in Fig. 1.0.1, we have completed the EQS column to the left. Starting from the top of the MQS column on the right, recall from Chap. 3 that the laws of primary interest are Amp`ere’s law (with the displacement current density neglected) and the magnetic flux continuity law (Table 3.6.1). � × H = J (1) � · µoH = 0 (2) These laws have associated with them continuity conditions at interfaces. If the in terface carries a surface current density K, then the continuity condition associated with (1) is (1.4.16) n × (Ha − Hb) = K (3) and the continuity condition associated with (2) is (1.7.6). a b n · (µoH − µoH ) = 0 (4) In the absence of magnetizable materials, these laws determine the magnetic field intensity H given its source, the current density J. -
Chapter 2. Electrostatics
Chapter 2. Electrostatics Introduction to Electrodynamics, 3rd or 4rd Edition, David J. Griffiths 2.3 Electric Potential 2.3.1 Introduction to Potential We're going to reduce a vector problem (finding E from E 0 ) down to a much simpler scalar problem. E 0 the line integral of E from point a to point b is the same for all paths (independent of path) Because the line integral of E is independent of path, we can define a function called the Electric Potential: : O is some standard reference point The potential difference between two points a and b is The fundamental theorem for gradients states that The electric field is the gradient of scalar potential 2.3.2 Comments on Potential (i) The name. “Potential" and “Potential Energy" are completely different terms and should, by all rights, have different names. There is a connection between "potential" and "potential energy“: Ex: (ii) Advantage of the potential formulation. “If you know V, you can easily get E” by just taking the gradient: This is quite extraordinary: One can get a vector quantity E (three components) from a scalar V (one component)! How can one function possibly contain all the information that three independent functions carry? The answer is that the three components of E are not really independent. E 0 Therefore, E is a very special kind of vector: whose curl is always zero Comments on Potential (iii) The reference point O. The choice of reference point 0 was arbitrary “ambiguity in definition” Changing reference points amounts to adding a constant K to the potential: Adding a constant to V will not affect the potential difference: since the added constants cancel out. -
Generalisations of the Laplace-Runge-Lenz Vector
Journal of Nonlinear Mathematical Physics Volume 10, Number 3 (2003), 340–423 Review Article Generalisations of the Laplace–Runge–Lenz Vector 1 2 3 1 4 P G L LEACH † † † and G P FLESSAS † † 1 † GEODYSYC, School of Sciences, University of the Aegean, Karlovassi 83 200, Greece 2 † Department of Mathematics, University of the Aegean, Karlovassi 83 200, Greece 3 † Permanent address: School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Natal, Durban 4041, Republic of South Africa 4 † Department of Information and Communication Systems Engineering, University of the Aegean, Karlovassi 83 200, Greece Received October 17, 2002; Revised January 22, 2003; Accepted January 27, 2003 Abstract The characteristic feature of the Kepler Problem is the existence of the so-called Laplace–Runge–Lenz vector which enables a very simple discussion of the properties of the orbit for the problem. It is found that there are many classes of problems, some closely related to the Kepler Problem and others somewhat remote, which share the possession of a conserved vector which plays a significant rˆole in the analysis of these problems. Contents arXiv:math-ph/0403028v1 15 Mar 2004 1 Introduction 341 2 Motions with conservation of the angular momentum vector 346 2.1 The central force problem r¨ + fr =0 .....................346 2.1.1 The conservation of the angular momentum vector, the Kepler problemandKepler’sthreelaws . .346 2.1.2 The model equation r¨ + fr =0.....................350 2.2 Algebraic properties of the first integrals of the Kepler problem . 355 2.3 Extension of the model equation to nonautonomous systems.........356 Copyright c 2003 by P G L Leach and G P Flessas Generalisations of the Laplace–Runge–Lenz Vector 341 3 Conservation of the direction of angular momentum only 360 3.1 Vector conservation laws for the equation of motion r¨ + grˆ + hθˆ = 0 . -
Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
Kepler's laws of planetary motion In astronomy, Kepler's laws of planetary motion are three scientific laws describing the motion ofplanets around the Sun. 1. The orbit of a planet is an ellipse with the Sun at one of the twofoci . 2. A line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time.[1] 3. The square of the orbital period of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit. Most planetary orbits are nearly circular, and careful observation and calculation are required in order to establish that they are not perfectly circular. Calculations of the orbit of Mars[2] indicated an elliptical orbit. From this, Johannes Kepler inferred that other bodies in the Solar System, including those farther away from the Sun, also have elliptical orbits. Kepler's work (published between 1609 and 1619) improved the heliocentric theory of Nicolaus Copernicus, explaining how the planets' speeds varied, and using elliptical orbits rather than circular orbits withepicycles .[3] Figure 1: Illustration of Kepler's three laws with two planetary orbits. Isaac Newton showed in 1687 that relationships like Kepler's would apply in the 1. The orbits are ellipses, with focal Solar System to a good approximation, as a consequence of his own laws of motion points F1 and F2 for the first planet and law of universal gravitation. and F1 and F3 for the second planet. The Sun is placed in focal pointF 1. 2. The two shaded sectors A1 and A2 Contents have the same surface area and the time for planet 1 to cover segmentA 1 Comparison to Copernicus is equal to the time to cover segment A . -
Physics 3550, Fall 2012 Two Body, Central-Force Problem Relevant Sections in Text: §8.1 – 8.7
Two Body, Central-Force Problem. Physics 3550, Fall 2012 Two Body, Central-Force Problem Relevant Sections in Text: x8.1 { 8.7 Two Body, Central-Force Problem { Introduction. I have already mentioned the two body central force problem several times. This is, of course, an important dynamical system since it represents in many ways the most fundamental kind of interaction between two bodies. For example, this interaction could be gravitational { relevant in astrophysics, or the interaction could be electromagnetic { relevant in atomic physics. There are other possibilities, too. For example, a simple model of strong interactions involves two-body central forces. Here we shall begin a systematic study of this dynamical system. As we shall see, the conservation laws admitted by this system allow for a complete determination of the motion. Many of the topics we have been discussing in previous lectures come into play here. While this problem is very instructive and physically quite important, it is worth keeping in mind that the complete solvability of this system makes it an exceptional type of dynamical system. We cannot solve for the motion of a generic system as we do for the two body problem. The two body problem involves a pair of particles with masses m1 and m2 described by a Lagrangian of the form: 1 2 1 2 L = m ~r_ + m ~r_ − V (j~r − ~r j): 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 Reflecting the fact that it describes a closed, Newtonian system, this Lagrangian is in- variant under spatial translations, time translations, rotations, and boosts.* Thus we will have conservation of total energy, total momentum and total angular momentum for this system. -
The Laplace–Runge–Lenz Vector Classical Mechanics Homework
The Kepler Problem Revisited: The Laplace–Runge–Lenz Vector Classical Mechanics Homework March 17, 2∞8 John Baez homework by C.Pro Whenever we have two particles interacting by a central force in 3d Euclidean space, we have conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum. However, when the force is gravity — or more precisely, whenever the force goes like 1/r2 — there is an extra conserved quantity. This is often called the Runge–Lenz vector, but it was originally discovered by Laplace. Its existence can be seeen in the fact that in the gravitational 2-body problem, each particle orbits the center of mass in an ellipse (or parabola, or hyperbola) whose perihelion does not change with time. The Runge– Lenz vector points in the direction of the perihelion! If the force went like 1/r2.1, or something like that, the orbit could still be roughly elliptical, but the perihelion would ‘precess’ — that is, move around in circles. Indeed, the first piece of experimental evidence that Newtonian gravity was not quite correct was the precession of the perihelion of Mercury. Most of this precession is due to the pull of other planets and other effects, but about 43 arcseconds per century remained unexplained until Einstein invented general relativity. In fact, we can use the Runge–Lenz vector to simplify the proof that gravitational 2-body problem gives motion in ellipses, hyperbolas or parabolas. Here’s how it goes. As before, let’s work with the relative position vector q(t) = q1(t) − q2(t) 3 where q1, q2: R → R are the positions of the two bodies as a function of time. -
4. Central Forces
4. Central Forces In this section we will study the three-dimensional motion of a particle in a central force potential. Such a system obeys the equation of motion mx¨ = V (r)(4.1) r where the potential depends only on r = x .Sincebothgravitationalandelectrostatic | | forces are of this form, solutions to this equation contain some of the most important results in classical physics. Our first line of attack in solving (4.1)istouseangularmomentum.Recallthatthis is defined as L = mx x˙ ⇥ We already saw in Section 2.2.2 that angular momentum is conserved in a central potential. The proof is straightforward: dL = mx x¨ = x V =0 dt ⇥ − ⇥r where the final equality follows because V is parallel to x. r The conservation of angular momentum has an important consequence: all motion takes place in a plane. This follows because L is a fixed, unchanging vector which, by construction, obeys L x =0 · So the position of the particle always lies in a plane perpendicular to L.Bythesame argument, L x˙ =0sothevelocityoftheparticlealsoliesinthesameplane.Inthis · way the three-dimensional dynamics is reduced to dynamics on a plane. 4.1 Polar Coordinates in the Plane We’ve learned that the motion lies in a plane. It will turn out to be much easier if we work with polar coordinates on the plane rather than Cartesian coordinates. For this reason, we take a brief detour to explain some relevant aspects of polar coordinates. To start, we rotate our coordinate system so that the angular momentum points in the z-direction and all motion takes place in the (x, y)plane.Wethendefinetheusual polar coordinates x = r cos ✓, y= r sin ✓ –48– Our goal is to express both the velocity and acceleration y ^ ^ θ r in polar coordinates.