The physical momentum carried by a transverse wave along a
string is conveyed by a secondary longitudinal wave which is
created whenever a string is displaced transversally
[364]. A less simplified wave equation which
supports wave momentum is given by [364, Eqns. 38ab]
(F.10) | |||
(F.11) | |||
(F.12) |
(F.13) | |||
(F.14) |
Physically, the rising edge of a transverse wave generates a longitudinal displacement in the direction of wave travel that propagates ahead at a much higher speed (typically an order of magnitude faster). The falling edge of the transverse wave then cancels this forward displacement as it passes by. See [364] for further details (including computer simulations).