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Lagrangian of Particle Moving in Electromagnetic Field

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An electromagnetic field is given by the potential:

phi = 0 and A = ay(z-hat) + bt(x-hat)

with a and b constant where 'x-hat?'z-hat?are unit vectors along the x and z directions respectively.

a. Write the Lagrangian for a particle of charge q moving in this field.
b. Identify any constants of the motion
c. Write the Hamiltonian
d. Find the value of the Hamiltonian as a function of time for an initial condition of the particle at rest at t=0

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Solution Summary

The solution examines Lagrangian of particles moving in an electromagnetic field. The constants of motion are determined. A Hamiltonian is given.

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Please see the attachment.

The potential due to a charge Q moving in an electromagnetic field described by the potentials is:

(1.1)
Where is the velocity vector:
(1.2)
In our case thus the potential energy here is:
(1.3)
The kinetic energy s simply:
(1.4)
So the general Lagrangian for this particle is:
(1.5)
In our specific case this turns out to ...

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