2026/07/14 by Somdeb Chakraborty
Physics and Astronomy · Social Sciences · #Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies #Relativity and Gravitational Theory #Science Education and Pedagogy
paper · pdf · doi:10.1088/1361-6404/ae8a92
openalex publication_date 2026/07/14 · openalex created_date 2026/07/15 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Abstract The idea of velocity-dependent potential is a standard topic taught within the scope of Lagrangian mechanics in advanced mechanics courses. In the present article, we show that it is possible to introduce the idea of a velocity-dependent potential completely in the Newtonian framework, without any reference to the Lagrangian formalism. In the context of such potentials, we build up the Hamiltonian and show its equivalence to the energy of the particle. Our discussion shows that it is possible to expose students to concepts, commonly taught in advanced mechanics courses, even in the Newtonian set-up without any additional formal prerequisite.