Final answer:
The smallest frequency corresponds to the longest wavelength. In the provided example, with a speed of 348.7 m/s and a frequency of 20,000 Hz, the minimum wavelength is 0.017 meters or 1.7 centimeters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The smallest frequency (the smallest energy change) corresponds to the longest wavelength. In physics, specifically in the study of electromagnetic waves, the relationship between frequency (f) and wavelength (λ) is given by the equation c = λf, where c represents the speed of light. The energy (E) of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength, as described by Planck's formula E = hf, where h is Planck's constant. This means that lower frequency (or lower energy) photons will have longer wavelengths.
Using the provided information, the speed (v) is 348.7 m/s and the maximum frequency (fmax) is 20,000 Hz. To find the minimum wavelength (λmin), we can use the equation λmin = v / fmax, resulting in λmin = 348.7 m/s / 20,000 Hz which equals 0.017 m or 1.7 cm. Therefore, the minimum wavelength that corresponds to the maximum frequency given is 0.017 meters or 1.7 centimeters.