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If the frequency of a wave increases:

A) The wavelength increases because they are indirectly related
B) The wavelength decreases because they are indirectly related
C) The wavelength increases because they are directly related
D) The wavelength decreases because they are directly related

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Final answer:

The correct answer is B) The wavelength decreases because frequency and wavelength are inversely related. As frequency of a wave increases, its wavelength must decrease to maintain the wave's speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the frequency of a wave increases, the correct answer is B) The wavelength decreases because they are inversely related. This is a fundamental concept in Physics, particularly in the study of waves. The relationship between frequency (f) and wavelength (λ) of a wave is given by the equation c = f λ, where c is the speed of light for electromagnetic waves, or the speed of sound for sound waves, depending on the context. This equation shows that as frequency increases, for the speed of the wave to remain constant, the wavelength must decrease.

An example of this phenomenon can be seen in the electromagnetic spectrum: higher frequency waves, such as X-rays, have much shorter wavelengths than lower frequency waves like radio waves. Therefore, understanding the relationship between frequency and wavelength is crucial for analyzing wave behavior across different mediums and contexts.

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