principle of least action

noun

1. the principle that motion between any two points in a conservative dynamical system is such that the action has a minimum value with respect to all paths between the points that correspond to the same energy Also calledMaupertuis principle

Example Sentences

Of the three ways of describing objects’ motion, for instance, the approach that turns out to be more true is the underdog: the principle of least action.

From The New Yorker

The third applied the principle of least action, which holds that each object moves by following the path that takes the least energy in the least time.

From The New Yorker

Of the various classical laws of motion—all workable, all useful—only the principle of least action also extends to the quantum world.

From The New Yorker

These are bold, thought-provoking pieces that tackle everything from the physical principle of least action to the mathematics of the infinitely great and infinitesimally small.

From Nature

In particular he explained the principle of least action, first advanced by P. L. M. de Maupertuis, and developed by Sir W. R. Hamilton, of quaternion fame.

From Project Gutenberg