Classical Mechanics - Hamiltonian

Question 34-36

The potential energy of a body constrained to move on a straight line is kx4 where k is a constant. The position of the body is x, its speed v, its linear momentum p, and its mass m.

The Hamiltonian function for this system is

A. (p2/2m) + kx4
B. (p2/2m) − kx4
C. kx4
D. ½mv² − kx4
E. ½mv²
(GR8677 #35)
Solution:

Hamiltonian: H = T + U
U = kx4
T = ½mv² = p2/2m
H = (p2/2m) + kx4

Answer: A

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