Published On Jan 1, 2022
Noether's theorem says that a symmetry of a Lagrangian implies a conservation law. But to fully appreciate the connection we need to go to Hamiltonian mechanics and see how symmetries act on phase space! Get the notes for free here: https://courses.physicswithelliot.com...
The connection between symmetries and conservation laws is one of the deepest relationships in physics. Noether's theorem says that for every continuous symmetry of a Lagrangian, you'll find a corresponding conserved quantity. But to fully understand the connection between the two, we need to investigate their relationship in Hamiltonian mechanics. Any function on phase space generates a "flow," similar to how the Hamiltonian generates time evolution. Then the rate of change of any other function along the flow is given by its Poisson bracket with the generator. A quantity will be conserved if and only if the flow that it generates leaves the Hamiltonian invariant!
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Watch these first!:
The principle of least action: • Explaining the Principle of Least Act...
Noether's theorem: • Symmetries & Conservation Laws: A (Ph...
Poisson brackets: • Before You Start On Quantum Mechanics...
Also check out:
A 20 minute intro to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics: • Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics ...
The relativistic action: • The Special Relativistic Action, Expl...
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In these intermediate-level physics lessons, I'll try to give you a self-contained introduction to some fascinating physics topics. If you're just getting started on your physics journey, you might not understand every single detail in every video---that's totally fine! What I'm really hoping is that you'll be inspired to go off and keep learning more on your own.
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