Paper 1, Section I, B

Classical Dynamics
Part II, 2018

Derive Hamilton's equations from an action principle.

Consider a two-dimensional phase space with the Hamiltonian H=p2+q2H=p^{2}+q^{-2}. Show that F=pqctHF=p q-c t H is the first integral for some constant cc which should be determined. By considering the surfaces of constant FF in the extended phase space, solve Hamilton's equations, and sketch the orbits in the phase space.