Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Analytical Mechanics: Forty Exercises Resolved and Explained

Book excerpt: This textbook introduces readers to the detailed and methodical resolution of classical and more recent problems in analytical mechanics. This valuable learning tool includes worked examples and 40 exercises with step-by-step solutions, carefully chosen for their importance in classical, celestial and quantum mechanics. The collection comprises six chapters, offering essential exercises on: (1) Lagrange Equations; (2) Hamilton Equations; (3) the First Integral and Variational Principle; (4) Canonical Transformations; (5) Hamilton – Jacobi Equations; and (6) Phase Integral and Angular Frequencies Each chapter begins with a brief theoretical review before presenting the clearly solved exercises. The last two chapters are of particular interest, because of the importance and flexibility of the Hamilton-Jacobi method in solving many mechanical problems in classical mechanics, as well as quantum and celestial mechanics. Above all, the book provides students and teachers alike with detailed, point-by-point and step-by-step solutions of exercises in Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, which are central to most problems in classical physics, astronomy, celestial mechanics and quantum physics.