Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 9-26

Motion in a Noninertial Reference Frame — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · internal-torque

Problem

The force of attraction between two particles is given by f12=k[(r2−r1)−rv0(r˙2−r˙1)]\mathbf{f}_{12} = k\left[(\mathbf{r}_2 - \mathbf{r}_1) - \frac{r}{v_0}(\dot{\mathbf{r}}_2 - \dot{\mathbf{r}}_1)\right] where kk is a constant, v0v_0 is a constant velocity, and r≡∣r2−r1∣r \equiv |\mathbf{r}_2 - \mathbf{r}_1|. Calculate the internal torque for the system; why does this quantity not vanish? Is the system conservative?

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