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Given the two definitions of $\vec E$ and $\vec B$ by scalar potential $\phi$ and vector potential $\vec A$:

$$\vec B=\vec \nabla \times \vec A$$ $$\vec E=-\vec \nabla \phi -\frac 1 c\frac {\partial \vec A} {\partial t}.$$

It is not so hard to show that the Lorentz force acting on a charged particle in the electric field is:

$$\vec F=Q\bigg(-\vec \nabla\phi-\frac 1 c \frac {d\vec A} {dt}+ \frac 1 c \vec \nabla(\vec v \cdot \vec A)\bigg).$$

After showing this part, several sources I've been looking at claim that the Lagrangian of that particle is given by:

$$L=\frac 1 2 mv^2 -Q\phi(\vec x, t)+\frac Q c\vec v \cdot \vec A$$

but I couldn't find a full derivation showing how you get this Lagrangian and two things bother me about it:

1) From my understanding, since the Lagrangian is defined as $L=T-V$ where $V$ is the potential energy and only related to the position, whereas in this Lagrangian $V$ is also velocity dependent.

2) Assuming I will try to make a line integral of the force from some arbitrary zero potential point to $\vec x$ while ignoring the velocity - it will indeed proved $L$'s $(-V)$ but with another term which relates to the $-\frac Q c \frac {d\vec A} {dt}$ part that is missing from $L$.

Can anybody please show a full derivation of the Lagrangian or explain what am I missing?

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  • $\begingroup$ This is e.g. derived in Goldstein, Section 1.5. $\endgroup$
    – Qmechanic
    Commented Jul 30, 2018 at 10:52
  • $\begingroup$ The potential in a lagrangian is supposed to give us the forces. If any force is velocity dependent, the potential would need to be modified so as to produce the force in the equations. $\endgroup$
    – cobra121
    Commented Jul 30, 2018 at 12:46
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    $\begingroup$ @cobra121 I'm aware of that but it bugs me to think that this Lagrangian is just an "educated guess" that just in case gives us the correct force... That's why I want to see a derivation. $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 30, 2018 at 14:02
  • $\begingroup$ I am afraid that the only answer I can give is that it is indeed an educated guess... It just seems to be consistent with the previous results $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 26, 2018 at 14:02
  • $\begingroup$ @dani Well that's disappointing... $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 28, 2018 at 12:31

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