(i) Consider a particle of charge q and mass m, moving in a stationary magnetic field B. Show that Lagrange's equations applied to the Lagrangian
L=21mr˙2+qr˙⋅A(r)
where A is the vector potential such that B=curlA, lead to the correct Lorentz force law. Compute the canonical momentum p, and show that the Hamiltonian is H=21mr˙2.
(ii) Expressing the velocity components r˙i in terms of the canonical momenta and co-ordinates for the above system, derive the following formulae for Poisson brackets: (b) {mr˙i,mr˙j}=qϵijkBk; (c) {mr˙i,rj}=−δij; (d) {mr˙i,f(rj)}=−∂ri∂f(rj).
(a) {FG,H}=F{G,H}+{F,H}G, for any functions F,G,H;
Now consider a particle moving in the field of a magnetic monopole,
Bi=gr3ri.
Show that {H,J}=0, where J=mr∧r˙−gqr^. Explain why this means that J is conserved.
Show that, if g=0, conservation of J implies that the particle moves in a plane perpendicular to J. What type of surface does the particle move on if g=0 ?