Problem Set 3

Part II Symmetry and conservation laws

F r=F r r , (i) torque () = 0 and (ii) the motion

1. Use symmetry to argue that for a central force

takes place in a plane.

2. A particle of mass m moves under the gravitational attraction of a fixed mass M situated at the origin.
Take polar coordinates r , as generalised coordinates and obtain Lagranges equations. Show that is
a cyclic coordinate and find (and identify) the conserved momentum p.
3. A particle P of mass m slides on the smooth inner surface of a circular cone of semi-angle . The axis of
symmetry of the cone is vertical with the vertex O pointing downwards. Take as generalised coordinates
r, the distance OP, and , the azimuthal angle about the vertical through O. Obtain Lagranges equations.
Show that is a cyclic coordinate and find (and identify) the conserved momentum p .
4. A particle of mass m and charge e moves in the magnetic field produced by a current I flowing in an
infinite straight wire that lies along the z-axis. The vector potential A of the induced magnetic field is
given by
0 I
Ar =A =0 , A z =
ln r
2

( )

where r,, z are cylindrical polar coordinates. Find the Lagrangian of the particle. Show that and z are
cyclic coordinates and find the corresponding conserved momenta.
5. A particle moves freely in the gravitational field of a fixed mass distribution. Find the conservation
principles that correspond to the symmetries of the following fixed mass distributions: (i) a uniform
sphere, (ii) a uniform half plane, (iii) two particles, (iv) a uniform right circular cone, (v) an infinite
uniform circular cylinder.
6. In spherical coordinates, consider a potential that depends only on r. Is the angular momentum for a
particle moving under such a force a constant? Will it be a constant if the potential were to depend on r
and ? Will angular momentum be conserved if potential V were to vanish?
7. Write the Lagrangian for the one-dimensional free particle and consider the variation x' = x + a, where a
may be some function of time. Write the new Lagrangian and show that for it to be invariant, the given
transformation would yield the well-known Galilean transformations.
8. Write the Lagrangian for the motion of a particle of mass m which mover vertically in the uniform
gravitational field g near the surface of the earth. Show that the action principle is invariant under the
transformations (i) z' = z + , and (ii) z' = z + t , where and are constants. Find the associated
constants of motion.