Describe the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency.
The inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency is a fundamental concept in physics known as the wavelength-frequency relationship. According to this relationship, as the wavelength of a wave increases, its frequency decreases, and vice versa.
Wavelength refers to the distance between two consecutive points in a wave that are in phase, such as two adjacent peaks or troughs. It is usually denoted by the symbol λ (lambda) and is typically measured in meters.
Frequency, on the other hand, is a measure of how many complete oscillations or cycles a wave undergoes in a given amount of time. It is denoted by the symbol f and is measured in Hertz (Hz), which represents cycles per second.
The inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency can be mathematically represented by the equation:
c = λf
where c is the speed of light in a vacuum, which is a constant. This equation shows that as the wavelength (λ) increases, the frequency (f) decreases, and vice versa, while their product remains constant.
In simple terms, this means that waves with longer wavelengths have lower frequencies, and waves with shorter wavelengths have higher frequencies. For example, radio waves have long wavelengths and hence lower frequencies, while gamma rays have short wavelengths and therefore higher frequencies.
This inverse relationship is a result of the wave's speed being constant in a given medium. As the wavelength increases, the wave has to cover a greater distance in the same amount of time, resulting in a decrease in frequency. Similarly, when the wavelength decreases, the wave covers a shorter distance in the same amount of time, leading to an increase in frequency.