Sound of constant pitch is produced in a straight corridor filled with still air. The sound generates longitudinal waves of frequency 500Hz that propagate at 340ms−1.
a. (i) Derive an expression for the distance advanced by the wave while an individual air particle completes n full oscillations.
b. (ii) Using your expression, determine how far the wave front moves during the time a chosen air molecule carries out 100 complete oscillations.
c. (iii) Does the same air molecule travel this calculated distance? Explain your answer in the light of the principle of wave motion.