(i) Derive Hamilton's equations from Lagrange's equations. Show that the Hamiltonian H is constant if the Lagrangian L does not depend explicitly on time.
(ii) A particle of mass m is constrained to move under gravity, which acts in the negative z-direction, on the spheroidal surface ϵ−2(x2+y2)+z2=l2, with 0<ϵ⩽1. If θ,ϕ parametrize the surface so that
x=ϵlsinθcosϕ,y=ϵlsinθsinϕ,z=lcosθ,
find the Hamiltonian H(θ,ϕ,pθ,pϕ).
Show that the energy
E=2ml2(ϵ2cos2θ+sin2θ)pθ2+sin2θα+mglcosθ
is a constant of the motion, where α is a non-negative constant.
Rewrite this equation as
21θ˙2+Veff(θ)=0
and sketch Veff(θ) for ϵ=1 and α>0, identifying the maximal and minimal values of θ(t) for fixed α and E. If ϵ is now taken not to be unity, how do these values depend on ϵ ?