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The Principle of Least Action (more correctly Stationary Action as it is not necessarily a minimum) is derived from the Euler Lagrange equations. What confuses people and makes it seem like a mysterious assumption is that a "classic" textbook question asks one to show that given the Principle of Least Action show that the Euler-Lagrange equations must hold. This leads to the misconception that the derivation is the other way i.e. that the Euler-Lagrange equations are derived from this unexplained Principle of Least Action. The standard Euler-Lagrange equations with a zero on one side are derived from Newtons Laws and are only true when forces derived from a potential energy are considered, the equation is non-zero if other forces are present and in such cases the Principle of Least Action doesn't hold (those other forces cause the action to deviate from the stationary point value). Taking this into consideration, the Principle of Least Action is simply a disguised version of the trivially true statement that a system in unperturbed if there are no perturbations present - or in more Newtonian terms, things won't accelerate unless there is an outside force acting on them.

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What are the six principle of physics?

Principle of conservation of energy Principle of conservation of momentum Principle of relativity Principle of causality Principle of least action Principle of symmetry and invariance


What is the principle of least action and how does it govern the behavior of physical systems?

The principle of least action states that physical systems follow a path that minimizes a quantity called action. Action is a measure of the energy of a system over time. By following the path of least action, physical systems behave in a way that is efficient and predictable. This principle is a fundamental concept in physics and is used to describe the motion of particles and fields in various physical systems.


What is the significance of the law of least action in the field of physics?

The law of least action is a fundamental principle in physics that states that a system will follow the path that minimizes the action, which is a measure of the system's energy. This principle is significant because it allows us to predict the behavior of physical systems and understand the underlying principles that govern their motion and interactions. By applying the law of least action, physicists can derive equations of motion and make accurate predictions about the behavior of complex systems.


What is a general direction something tends to move?

Objects tend to move from higher to lower energy states, following the path of least resistance. This is known as the principle of least action.


What is the significance of the principle of least action (Feynman) in the field of theoretical physics?

The principle of least action, proposed by physicist Richard Feynman, is significant in theoretical physics because it provides a powerful and elegant way to describe the behavior of physical systems. It states that the path taken by a system between two points in space and time is the one that minimizes a quantity called action. This principle has been used to derive the fundamental laws of physics, such as Newton's laws of motion and quantum mechanics, and has had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe.

Related Questions

What are the six principle of physics?

Principle of conservation of energy Principle of conservation of momentum Principle of relativity Principle of causality Principle of least action Principle of symmetry and invariance


What is the principle of least action and how does it govern the behavior of physical systems?

The principle of least action states that physical systems follow a path that minimizes a quantity called action. Action is a measure of the energy of a system over time. By following the path of least action, physical systems behave in a way that is efficient and predictable. This principle is a fundamental concept in physics and is used to describe the motion of particles and fields in various physical systems.


What is the significance of the law of least action in the field of physics?

The law of least action is a fundamental principle in physics that states that a system will follow the path that minimizes the action, which is a measure of the system's energy. This principle is significant because it allows us to predict the behavior of physical systems and understand the underlying principles that govern their motion and interactions. By applying the law of least action, physicists can derive equations of motion and make accurate predictions about the behavior of complex systems.


What are the principle issues to is there a god?

Any proof?


What is the meaning of a precautionary principle?

Precautionary principle states if an action has suspected risk of harming anyone or anything, then providing proof is the responsibility of those taking the act. This is a legal tactic or rule that affects the public or society in certain communities.


What is a general direction something tends to move?

Objects tend to move from higher to lower energy states, following the path of least resistance. This is known as the principle of least action.


What are principle?

A principle is a rule of action or conduct.


What is the significance of the principle of least action (Feynman) in the field of theoretical physics?

The principle of least action, proposed by physicist Richard Feynman, is significant in theoretical physics because it provides a powerful and elegant way to describe the behavior of physical systems. It states that the path taken by a system between two points in space and time is the one that minimizes a quantity called action. This principle has been used to derive the fundamental laws of physics, such as Newton's laws of motion and quantum mechanics, and has had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe.


The principle of action of points is used what?

Capacitor


What a principle?

A principle is the summary of the description of how something works. A principle is a rule of action or conduct. (Answer for Amer. Gov. Question = Doctrine)


The principle of action of points is used in?

lightning arrestors


An accepted or professed rule of action or conduct is?

A principle.