Write down the wave equation for the displacement y(x,t) of a stretched string with constant mass density and tension. Obtain the general solution in the form
y(x,t)=f(x+ct)+g(x−ct)
where c is the wave velocity. For a solution in the region 0⩽x<∞, with y(0,t)=0 and y→0 as x→∞, show that
E=∫0∞[21(∂t∂y)2+21c2(∂x∂y)2]dx
is constant in time. Express E in terms of the general solution in this case.