HW : Analytical Dynamics (graduate programme)

Date : Tuesday, 27 September 2022

Instructor : Handhika S. Ramadhan, Ph.D
Due date : Monday, 10 October 2022 at 15.00

1. Consider a particle of mass m moving in 2d space from point (x1 , y1 ) to some lower point
(x2 , y2 ) under a constant gravitational force F = −mg ẑ. Prove that the fastest path is a
segment of cycloid. This is the famous “brachistochrone” problem.

2. Prove that the geodesic on a sphere (surface of a ball) is its great circle (equator).

3. A chain of total mass m and total length L hangs when supported only at its ends, as
shown in the Figure. If the mass is uniformly distributed, determine the shape of the
curve the chain takes as it hangs freely.