Memorize the following points:

1. p k =

L
is called generalized momentu m
q k

2 . Hamiltonianis defined as H = p k q k L.

3. L i s a function of q k q k whereas H is a function of q k pk

4 . If H isindependent of t explicitly , H =T +V =total energy

5. Hamiltonian Equations are given by :

pk =

H
qk

q k =

H
pk

EXAMPLES:

Example 1:
Find the Hamiltonian and equations of motion of one
dimensional spring.

where p= p x =

L
is the generalised momentum
x

Thus

As H has a function of x p x only , eliminate x by putting x =

Equations of motion are given by

p
T
m

p x =

H
H
x =
, here p x is taken as p
x
px

p x =kx x =

px
p x =m x p x =m x
m

kx =m x m x + kx=0 .

Example 2:

and
..(1)

and
.(2)

Simplifying (1)

and

.(3)

Simplifying (2)

and

.(4)

(3) and (4) are the required Hamiltons equations of motion

Example 3:

H has beterms of r , , , p r , p , p . Hence r , , has be eliminated .

..

Example 4: Simple Pendulum

Generalized momentum is p =

L
2
=ml

p p=m l 2
p=mgl sin =
2
ml

2
mgl sin =ml

This is the required equation of motion

Example 5: Spherical Pendulum

x=l sin cos , y=l sin sin , z=l cos

1
2
2
2
T = m ( x + y +z )
2

V =mgl cos ,taking the ceiling as the reference

Generalized momentum are givenby

Hamiltonian is given by

..

Example 6:

here q1 =q2=z
also r 2=R2 + z 2
x=R cos y=R sin , where R is constant as it is radius of the cylinder
F=

V
1
1
V = k r 2= k ( R 2+ z2 )
r
2
2

Generalized Momenta are given by

Alternatively , H can be found out using H =T +V