Past exam of the mathematical methods II course of the University of Oxford / 2019 / 9 / a / i

Assume small transverse slopes, a flexible string, constant tension $T$ and uniform linear mass density $\rho$. For an element of equilibrium length $dx$, the vertical force is the difference of the vertical tension components at its ends. To first order in slope,Its mass is $\rho dx$ and its transverse acceleration is $y_{tt}$. Newton's second law therefore gives $\rho dx{y}_{tt}=Tdx{y}_{xx}$, orThis is the one-dimensional wave equation for small-amplitude transverse waves. Changes in string length and horizontal acceleration are second order in slope and are neglected in this linear approximation.