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Which of the following best describes the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

1) As frequency increases, wavelength decreases
2) As frequency increases, wavelength increases
3) As frequency decreases, wavelength decreases
4) Frequency and wavelength do not affect one another

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The correct relationship between frequency and wavelength is that they are inversely proportional: as frequency increases, wavelength decreases. This inverse relationship is due to the constant speed of light, expressed in the equation v = fλ.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between frequency and wavelength is an essential concept in physics. These two properties are inversely proportional, meaning as one property increases, the other decreases. This relationship is due to the fact that the speed of light is constant in a vacuum, so when the frequency of a wave increases, the wavelength must decrease to maintain this constant speed.

To answer the question 'Which of the following best describes the relationship between frequency and wavelength?' the correct choice is 1) As frequency increases, wavelength decreases. This is understandable if we consider the equation v = fλ, where v is the speed of light, f is the frequency, and λ (lambda) represents the wavelength. Because the speed of light (v) is constant, if the frequency (f) increases, the wavelength (λ) must decrease, and inversely, if the frequency decreases, the wavelength increases.

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