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A script capital L, kinetic energy minus potential energy.
Also known as: Lagrangian function, Lagrangian, Script L, Kinetic minus potential
The Lagrangian is kinetic minus potential energy, a combination with no direct physical meaning that nonetheless determines the entire motion through the principle of least action. Its script L is deliberately distinct from the upright L used for angular momentum.
Denotes the Lagrangian: the difference between a system's kinetic and potential energies.
Contexts: Laboratory
Determines the motion through the principle of stationary action, which reproduces Newton's laws and extends to fields and relativity where they do not apply directly.
Contexts: Laboratory
Is conventionally set in script to separate it from angular momentum and self-inductance, both plain capital L.
Contexts: Laboratory
A capital letter L in script form, a looped vertical stroke with a curving horizontal foot.