Gauge Functions and Galilean Invariance of Lagrangians

Abstract

A novel method to make Lagrangians Galilean invariant is developed. The method, based on null Lagrangians and their gauge functions, is used to demonstrate the Galilean invariance of the Lagrangian for Newton's law of inertia. It is suggested that this new solution of an old physics problem may have implications and potential applications to all gauge-based theories of physics.