Classical Mechanics (Semester 5): Homework 1

1. Co-Planar Double Pendulum: A mass point m2 is suspended by a light inextensible string of length l2 from a simple pendulum, that is, from another mass point m1 which hangs from a rigid support by a string of length l1 . The movement of the whole system is conned to a plane. Write down the Lagrangian of the system and nd out the equation(s) of motion. 2. Pendulum on a Circle: Point of support of a single pendulum is revolving in a vertical circle with constant angular velocity . The radius of the circle is R and the motion of the simple pendulum is coplanar with the circle. Write down the Lagrangian of the system and nd out the equation(s) of motion. 3. Spherical Pendulum: A particle of mass m is attached to one end of a rigid massless rod, the other end of which is pivotted to a xed point. If the motion of the particle is not conned to a single vertical plane, then the particle is constrained to move on the surface of a sphere and the system is called a spherical pendulum. Choose a suitable set of generalized coordinates, write down the Lagrangian, and nd out the equation(s) of motion. Do you notice any relation between the motion of the mass m in this problem to the motion of the bead in a spinning circular wire shown in class? 4. Wedge on a Table A block of wood of mass m1 is sliding down the inclined surface of a wedge shaped block of mass m2 without friction. The wedge is lying on a smooth horizontal table. Assume that all movements are conned in a single vertical plane. The wedge angle is . Find the acceleration of m1 down the slope relative to the wedge and the acceleration of the wedge relative to the table. Check that the answer makes sense using limiting cases such as i) =0 ii) m2 >>m1 . 5. Double Pulley: Two masses m2 and m3 are attached by a light inextensible string of length l2 which passes over a smooth massless pulley. This pulley and another mass m1 are attached by another light inextensible string of length l1 which passes over another smooth massless xed pulley. The whole system is conned to move in a single vertical plane. Fine the acceleration of masses m1 , m2 and m3 .