Assuming that the maximum displacement of the air molecules in a sound wave is about the same as that of the speaker cone that produces the sound (Fig. 16–46), estimate by how much a loudspeaker cone moves for a fairly loud (105 dB) sound of 35 Hz.

Sound intensity is a measure of the power per unit area carried by a sound wave. The decibel (dB) scale quantifies sound intensity logarithmically, where an increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in intensity. A sound level of 105 dB indicates a relatively loud sound, which can be associated with significant energy transfer in the medium, affecting the displacement of air molecules.

Frequency refers to the number of oscillations or cycles of a wave that occur in one second, measured in hertz (Hz). In sound waves, frequency determines the pitch of the sound; lower frequencies correspond to deeper sounds. The relationship between frequency and wavelength is inversely proportional, meaning that as frequency decreases, the wavelength increases, which is crucial for understanding how sound waves propagate.

Amplitude is the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium. In the context of sound waves, amplitude relates to the loudness of the sound; greater amplitude results in louder sounds. The displacement of the loudspeaker cone directly influences the amplitude of the sound wave produced, which in turn affects the maximum displacement of air molecules in the wave.