What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in a wave?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in a wave?
Frequency is directly proportional to wavelength
Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength
Frequency is independent of wavelength
Frequency equals wavelength
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in a wave?
Correct Answer: Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength.
Step 1: Understand that waves move through space and have two important characteristics: frequency and wavelength.
Step 2: Frequency (f) is how many wave cycles pass a point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
Step 3: Wavelength (λ) is the distance between two consecutive points of the wave, like from one peak to the next peak.
Step 4: The speed of the wave (v) is how fast the wave travels through space.
Step 5: The relationship between frequency, wavelength, and speed is described by the equation v = fλ.
Step 6: Rearranging the equation shows that frequency (f) is equal to the speed (v) divided by the wavelength (λ): f = v/λ.
Step 7: This means that if the speed of the wave is constant, when the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This is called being inversely proportional.
