CLASSICAL MECHANICS Homework 10

1. Solve problem 1 of chapter 9 of Hand & Finch. This is the problem I was planning to solve on the blackboard but, due to limited time, I skipped and said that I will place in the homework.

2. Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector: For a central potential, consider the vector A = v L + U (r ) r . Since the motion happens on a plane perpendicular to L, this vector lies on that plane, i.e. AL = 0 . However, a priori, there is no reason why this vector should be a constant of motion. Indeed, for a general central potential, prove that dA = [U (r ) rf (r )] v , dt where f (r ) is the central force. From this result, show that A is constant for the Kepler case. Finally, compute the magnitude of A.

3. This problem is just to make you reproduce all steps in the formulshown in class. Do not just give me a series of meaningless equations. Add explanations and show all claculations explicitly where omitted in class. Starting with the Lagrangian, derive the formula for the precession of the orbit of a planet if there is a small perturbation U in the potential. Then assume U (r ) = r3

and nd the precession in terms of the various constants.

Unfortunately Hand & Finch scatters results of a topic around the book. The necessary ideas for stability and closed orbits for central potentials are presented in section 10.1. After you read this section, 4. solve problem 1 of chapter 10. 5. solve problem 2 of chapter 10. 6. solve problem 3 of chapter 10. If you have Goldsteins book, you may want to look at the section of central potentials. The discussion is more concise and superior.