What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Prepare for the Radiation Safety Officer Test with study modules, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Boost your exam readiness today!

Wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship, meaning that as one increases, the other decreases. This relationship can be understood through the fundamental equation of wave propagation: the speed of light (or any wave) is equal to the product of its wavelength and frequency. In mathematical terms, this can be represented as:

Speed of Light (c) = Wavelength (λ) × Frequency (ν)

Since the speed of light in a vacuum is a constant, if the wavelength increases, the frequency must decrease to maintain that constant value, and vice versa. This inverse relationship is essential in various fields, such as physics and engineering, as it helps in understanding the behavior of electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, visible light, and X-rays.

In practical terms, when observing phenomena like the Doppler effect or electromagnetic radiation in different contexts (e.g., lasers, radio transmission), this principle allows professionals to predict how changes in one characteristic (wavelength) affect the other (frequency). Hence, option B accurately describes the relationship between wavelength and frequency.

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