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An infinitesmal transformation that is canonical

Physics Asked on July 27, 2021

The following infinitesimal transformation of phase space coordinates (for infinitesimal $epsilon$) is apparently canonical (preserving Hamilton’s equations and Poisson brackets):

$$ q_i’ = q_i + epsilon frac{partial g}{partial p_i} $$

$$ p_i’ = p_i – epsilon frac{partial g}{partial q_i} $$

where $g$ is the generator and a function of $q$ and $p$.

When computing the conditions for being canonical in terms of Poisson Brackets ${q_i’, q_j’} = 0$, ${p_i’, p_j’} = 0$, ${q_i’, p_j’} = delta_{ij}$. There seems to be second-order partial derivative terms that don’t cancel. For example,

$${q_i’, q_j’} = Sigma_k (frac{partial q_i’}{partial q_k} frac{partial q_j’}{partial p_k} – frac{partial q_i’}{partial p_k} frac{partial q_j’}{partial q_k}) = [(1 + epsilon frac{partial ^2 g}{partial q_i partial p_i})(epsilon frac{partial ^2 g}{partial p_i partial p_j}) – (epsilon frac{partial ^2 g}{(partial p_i)^2})(epsilon frac{partial ^2 g}{partial q_i partial p_j})] + [(epsilon frac{partial ^2 g}{partial p_i partial q_j}) (epsilon frac{partial ^2 g}{(partial p_j)^2}) – (epsilon frac{partial ^2 g}{partial p_j partial p_i})(1 + epsilon frac{partial ^2 g}{partial q_j partial p_j})] + Sigma_{k neq i,j} (frac{partial q_i’}{partial q_k} frac{partial q_j’}{partial p_k} – frac{partial q_i’}{partial p_k} frac{partial q_j’}{partial q_k}).$$

It doesn’t look like these first sets of terms for $i$ and $j$ cancel and neither do the sum of the terms not with respect to $i$, or $j$. I see a similar issue with the other Poisson Brackets. Are these second-order partial derivatives all 0? I’m not sure what I am missing. If possible, any hints would be appreciated.

One Answer

As @WolphrameJonny said, As we are doing infinitesimal changes, We can neglect all the term which are of the higher order (greater that $1$) in $epsilon$. So if
$$Q_j=q_j+epsilonfrac{partial G}{partial p_j}+O(epsilon^2)=q_j+epsilonfrac{partial G}{partial p_j}$$ You may also be interested in the following related physics.SE posts:

Neglecting second order differentials

Rigorous underpinnings of infinitesimals in physics

Commutator of Lorentz boost generators : visual interpretation

Correct answer by Young Kindaichi on July 27, 2021

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