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Lagrangian vs Hamiltonian: The best approach to relativistic orbits.
- Source :
-
American Journal of Physics . Sep2018, Vol. 86 Issue 9, p678-682. 5p. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- In introductory general relativity courses, free particle trajectories, such as astronomical orbits, are generally developed via a Lagrangian and variational calculus, so that physical examples can precede the mathematics of tensor calculus. The use of a Hamiltonian is viewed as more advanced and typically comes later if at all. We suggest here that this might not be the optimal order in a first course in general relativity, especially if orbits are to be solved with numerical methods. We discuss some of the issues that arise in both the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00029505
- Volume :
- 86
- Issue :
- 9
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- American Journal of Physics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 131398823
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1119/1.5047439