Question

If a light wave's wavelength increases by a factor of four (4), its frequency:

A. is now 4 times smaller (λ/4).
B. remains the same (λ).
C. decreases by a factor of four (1/4λ).
D. increases by a factor of four (4λ).

Answer 1

When the wavelength of light increases by a factor of four, the frequency decreases by a factor of four to maintain the constant speed of light, as they are inversely related.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a light wave's wavelength increases by a factor of four, its frequency must decrease by a factor of four, according to the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and the speed of light. This is because the speed of light is a constant (c), and the relationship between frequency (f) and wavelength (λ) is given by the equation c = fλ. Since the product of frequency and wavelength must equal the constant speed of light, when the wavelength is multiplied by a factor, the frequency must be divided by the same factor to maintain the equality. Therefore, the correct answer is C. decreases by a factor of four (1/4λ).