Hamilton's canonical equations
Canonical coordinates and momenta evolve from the Hamiltonian.
Key knowledge
For a regular Lagrangian, p_i = ∂L/∂q̇_i and H = Σ_i p_i q̇_i − L lead to q̇_i = ∂H/∂p_i and ṗ_i = −∂H/∂q_i.
Values and equations
p_i = ∂L/∂q̇_i; H = Σ_i p_i q̇_i − L; q̇_i = ∂H/∂p_i; ṗ_i = −∂H/∂q_i
- L, H
- Lagrangian and Hamiltonian J
- q_i
- Canonical coordinate
- p_i
- Conjugate momentum; p_i q_i has action units J s / [q_i]
- t
- Time s
Conditions and scope
- The momentum–velocity map must be locally invertible and the coordinates canonical.
- H can depend explicitly on time and need not equal a conserved total energy.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Section 3.1, equations 3.3–3.17: inverse momentum map, Legendre transform and canonical equations.
2026-10-10 · Regular finite-dimensional canonical mechanics only; constrained singular Hamiltonians excluded.
Entry details
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- physics-hamilton-equations
- Revision
- university-reference.1
- Structured reference record
- University reference · University core expansion