Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 7-5

Central-Force Motion — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · lagrangian-gravitational-plus-central-force

Problem

Consider a vertical plane in a constant gravitational field. Let the origin of a coordinate system be located at some point in this plane. A particle of mass mm moves in the vertical plane under the influence of gravity and under the influence of an additional force f=−Arα−1f = -Ar^{\alpha-1} directed toward the origin (rr is the distance from the origin; AA and α\alpha [≠0\neq 0 or 1] are constants). Choose appropriate generalized coordinates, and find the Lagrangian equations of motion. Is the angular momentum about the origin conserved? Explain.

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