what is configuration space and phase space? what are its coordinates. when do we use it.

Question

anonymous · Answer

From my understanding, you would need to find out your phase space before you can figure out your configuration space. I don't know much about this yet, but I can look into it for you. I do not belive there are specific coordinates for it. I will look into it and let you know when I find something out.

anonymous · Answer

thanx

anonymous · Answer

i think in configuration space coordinates are just degrees of freedoms means all possible independent variables. i.e for n degree of freedom n coordinate axis. 
and in phase space there are generalized cordinates and their corresponding generalised velocity coordinate . 
i don't know whether it's correct or not.

anonymous · Answer

Ok, from my understanding, phase space is the cotangent space of configuration space and has all possible values of position and momentum variables. I would have to continue through the lesson to understand it a little more and explain it better, but that is the best that i can do right now. For a better understanding, look at hermitian operators in a Hilbert space. I think that would explain it at least in a quantum mechanics scenario.