The classical wave equation is derived by applying Newton's second law () to an infinitesimal element of a string. The net vertical force from tension differences is equated to the element's mass times its vertical acceleration.
Conditions: The string is ideal (knot-free and inextensible), so tension is uniform.; The wave is transverse, so particles move only vertically.; The string disturbance is very small, allowing the small-angle approximation.
The classical wave equation is derived by applying Newton's second law () to an infinitesimal element of a string. The net vertical force from tension differences is equated to the element's mass times its vertical acceleration.
Conditions: The string is ideal (knot-free and inextensible), so tension is uniform.; The wave is transverse, so particles move only vertically.; The string disturbance is very small, allowing the small-angle approximation.