MA/MSc IV Semester

Classical Mechanics
MAT-530
Assignment

Attempt all questions.

Q1 A solid cube is moving about its one corner. If there are no external finite forces and

ω 1 , ω 2 and ω 3 are the angular velocity components about the edges through the fixed

corners, show that ω 1+ ω2 +ω 3=constant .

Q2 A body is rotating under no forces, about its centre, at which principal moments are in

the ratio 2:1:3. If the initial angular velocity components about the principal axes are

ω 1=0 , ω2=n √ 3 , ω 3=n, then find them at any time t. Also show that the body

ultimately rotates about the first principal axis.

Q3 What do you mean by cyclic coordinates. Show that the generalised momentum

corresponding to a cyclic coordinate is conserved.

Q4 A particle is constrained to move on the plane curve xy=1 under gravity g. Taking y

2 '' dF (x , x ')
axis as vertical, the Lagrange’s equation is obtained as x x + -g = 0. Find
dt

the value of the function F ( x , x ' ).

Q5 Prove that potential energy of a conservative system can be expressed as a

homogeneous quadratic function of the generalized coordinates for small oscillation

about its position of stable equilibrium.

 Project
Write a detailed description on any one of the following topics

 Eulerian angles and geometrical relations

 Theory of small oscillations.

 Lagrangian approach of studying dynamics of rigid bodies.

Last date of submission of project and assignment is 08.04.2024. Projects and

assignments will not be submitted after due date.