How does the wavelength relate to frequency?

Prepare for the North Carolina Basic RADAR Operator Test. Study with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The relationship between wavelength and frequency is governed by the equation ( c = \lambda f ), where ( c ) is the speed of light, ( \lambda ) represents the wavelength, and ( f ) is the frequency. This equation shows that the speed of light is constant in a vacuum, which means that if the wavelength decreases, the frequency must increase to maintain the equality, and vice versa.

Thus, shorter wavelengths indeed correspond to greater frequencies. This means that as the wavelength of a wave gets shorter, the number of cycles (or oscillations) that occur in a given time period increases, resulting in a higher frequency. Therefore, shorter wavelengths resulting in greater frequencies is a fundamental concept in wave physics that accurately reflects how these two characteristics are interconnected.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy