Energy per wavelength of a transverse string wave

ID: energy-per-wavelength-of-a-transverse-string-wave

For a small-slope travelling wave on a uniform string with linear mass density and tension , the wave equation on a string requires . Its elastic energy of a small-slope string and kinetic energy density are equal, giving total energy density . Its spatial average is , and integrating over a full wavelength gives the title formula. Omitting produces an energy density, not an energy; units and a direct one-period integral detect the mistake independently.

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