Math 2.0

Mechanics of particles and systems Constraints and generalized coordinates Concept

Configuration space

Builds on Holonomic constraintSmooth manifold

Summary

The configuration space of a mechanical system is the set of all positions that the system can take. A point of it records the position of every part of the system at one instant. For systems with independent holonomic constraints it is a smooth manifold, and a motion of the system is a curve in it. Its dimension is the number of degrees of freedom, and its geometry carries much of the mechanics.

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Holonomic constraint, concept, no evidence levelHolonomic constraintconceptSmooth manifold, concept, no evidence levelSmooth manifoldconceptConfiguration space, concept, no evidence levelConfiguration spaceconcept
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  1. Holonomic constraint concept
  2. Smooth manifold concept
  3. Configuration space concept

Where this leads

36 pages build on this one.

Further reading

  1. Web https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Configuration_space_(physics)
About this page
TagMGYKGP7PW3
URIm2://MGYKGP7PW3
Kindconcept
WritingW0 stub
MSC70G10, 70G45, 70F20
UsesHolonomic constraint, Smooth manifold
Same as
Changed3 November 2026

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