Hamiltonian function
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Revision as of 21:30, 2 May 2006 by Aaronwelles (Talk | contribs)
The total energy function. (pg. 65-66)
In a closed physical system the energy of the system is constant as the system moves through time.
Example: Ball being thrown into air: Total energy = p^2/2m +mgr (kinetic + potential)
We call the total energy function the Hamiltonian Function, and denote it H.
For a particle of mass m moving on a line. Kinetic = p^2/2m. If the particle is moving under the influence of a conservative force, like gravity, then there is a potential energy, U, which is a function of position.
H:=p^2/2m+U(r)
