How the linear wave equation is a direct consequence of Newton's second law applied to any element of a string carrying a travelling wave?
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The wave equation is not a consequence of analyzing a vibrating string. But rather analyzing a string leads to a result that fits the wave equation. Analysis of many other situations lead to results that fit the wave equation
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https://physics.stackexchange.com/a/110842/45664
Derivation of 1D wave equation
In the second reference is a way to derive the wave equation using only $f(x-ct)$ and $f(x+ct)$, not requiring any physical situation at all.
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