I recently came across the fact that, for a charged particle in an electromagnetic field, the generalized momentum differs from the kinetic momentum. Specifically, the generalized momentum is given by whereas the kinetic momentum is just I understand the mathematical origin of this distinction from the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics. However, I'm wondering if there is a deeper physical interpretation of this difference-perhaps in terms of energy, work, or some other fundamental concept. Why does the electromagnetic potential appear in the momentum, and what does that mean physically?
Physical meaning of the difference between kinetic and generalized momentum in electromagnetic fields
Paul


