The Hamilton-Jacobi Equation: an intuitive approach

Abstract

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation (HJE) is one of the most elegant approach to Lagrangian systems such as geometrical optics and classical mechanics, establishing the duality between trajectories and waves and paving the way naturally for the quantum mechanics. Usually, this formalism is taught at the end of a course on analytical mechanics through its technical aspects and its relation to canonical transformations. I propose that the teaching of this subject be centered on this duality along the lines proposed here, and the canonical transformations be taught only after some familiarity with the HJE has been gained by the students.