Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 7-31

Central-Force Motion — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · hamiltonian-spherical-pendulum

Problem

A spherical pendulum consists of a bob of mass mm attached to a weightless, extensionless rod of length ll. The end of the rod opposite the bob pivots freely (in all directions) about some fixed point. Set up the Hamiltonian function in spherical coordinates. (If pϕ=0p_\phi = 0, the result is the same as that for the plane pendulum.) Combine the term that depends on pϕp_\phi with the ordinary potential energy term to define as effective potential V(θ,pϕ)V(\theta, p_\phi). Sketch VV as a function of θ\theta for several values of pϕp_\phi, including pϕ=0p_\phi = 0. Discuss the features of the motion, pointing out the differences between pϕ=0p_\phi = 0 and pϕ≠0p_\phi \neq 0. Discuss the limiting case of the conical pendulum (θ=\theta = constant) with reference to the VV-θ\theta diagram.

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