What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength of light?

• A. They are directly related; as frequency increases, wavelength increases
• B. They are independent of each other
• C. They are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases
• D. They change with temperature

Answer: (C)

The relationship between frequency and wavelength of light is defined by the equation ( c = \lambda \nu ), where ( c ) is the speed of light in a vacuum, ( \lambda ) is the wavelength, and ( \nu ) (nu) is the frequency. According to this relationship, the speed of light is constant, and thus, if the frequency increases, the wavelength must decrease in order to maintain the equality. This makes frequency and wavelength inversely related to each other.

When frequency is higher, meaning the light waves are oscillating more rapidly, the distance between successive wave crests (wavelength) is shorter. Conversely, a lower frequency corresponds to a longer wavelength. This fundamental relationship is crucial in understanding various phenomena in optics and is a foundational concept in the study of electromagnetic waves.