Chapter 3: Problem 12
A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to two light inextensible strings, each of length \(a\). The strings pass over two smooth pegs \(A\) and \(B\), which are at the same height and distance \(2 b\) apart. At the other ends of the strings hang two particles of mass \(m\), which can move up and down the vertical lines through \(A\) and \(B\). The particle \(P\) can move in the vertical plane containing \(A\) and \(B\). Show that if \(2 b \cosh \varphi=P A+P B\) and \(2 b \cos \theta=P A-P B\), then the kinetic energy of \(P\) is $$ T=\frac{1}{2} m b^{2}\left(\cosh ^{2} \varphi-\cos ^{2} \theta\right)\left(\dot{\theta}^{2}+\dot{\varphi}^{2}\right) $$ Hence find the Lagrangian of the system in terms of \(\theta\) and \(\varphi\).
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.