What occurs to the wavelength when the frequency of a wave increases?

What occurs to the wavelength when the frequency of a wave increases?

• A. The wavelength increases
• B. The wavelength decreases
• C. The wavelength remains unchanged
• D. The wavelength oscillates rapidly

Answer: (B)

When the frequency of a wave increases, the wavelength decreases. This relationship is a fundamental principle in wave physics, described by the equation: \[ v = f \lambda \] where \( v \) is the speed of the wave, \( f \) is the frequency, and \( \lambda \) is the wavelength. For a given wave speed, if the frequency increases, the wavelength must decrease to maintain this equation. As frequency refers to the number of cycles or oscillations that occur in a particular time period, an increase in frequency means that more cycles fit into the same spatial interval. Consequently, with more wavelengths squeezed into that interval, each individual wavelength must become shorter. This is why it is accurate to assert that an increase in wave frequency results in a decrease in wavelength.

When the frequency of a wave increases, the wavelength decreases. This relationship is a fundamental principle in wave physics, described by the equation:

[ v = f \lambda ]

where ( v ) is the speed of the wave, ( f ) is the frequency, and ( \lambda ) is the wavelength. For a given wave speed, if the frequency increases, the wavelength must decrease to maintain this equation.

As frequency refers to the number of cycles or oscillations that occur in a particular time period, an increase in frequency means that more cycles fit into the same spatial interval. Consequently, with more wavelengths squeezed into that interval, each individual wavelength must become shorter. This is why it is accurate to assert that an increase in wave frequency results in a decrease in wavelength.