What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength for electromagnetic waves?

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Multiple Choice

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength for electromagnetic waves?

The frequency and wavelength of electromagnetic waves are inversely related because their product equals the wave’s speed. In vacuum, this speed is the constant c, so f × λ = c. That means if you increase the frequency, the wavelength must decrease proportionally; if you decrease the frequency, the wavelength increases. For example, radio waves have low frequency and long wavelengths, while gamma rays have high frequency and very short wavelengths. In any medium, the relation is v = f λ, where v is the speed of light in that medium, so the same inverse link applies with the appropriate speed. The frequency is set by the source, and the wavelength adjusts to satisfy this speed relationship.

The frequency and wavelength of electromagnetic waves are inversely related because their product equals the wave’s speed. In vacuum, this speed is the constant c, so f × λ = c. That means if you increase the frequency, the wavelength must decrease proportionally; if you decrease the frequency, the wavelength increases. For example, radio waves have low frequency and long wavelengths, while gamma rays have high frequency and very short wavelengths. In any medium, the relation is v = f λ, where v is the speed of light in that medium, so the same inverse link applies with the appropriate speed. The frequency is set by the source, and the wavelength adjusts to satisfy this speed relationship.

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