As the frequency of electromagnetic waves increases, what happens to their wavelength?

• A. The wavelength becomes zero.
• B. The wavelength decreases.
• C. The wavelength increases.
• D. The wavelength remains constant.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the fundamental relationship between the speed of light (\(c\)), frequency (\(f\)), and wavelength (\(\lambda\)) of electromagnetic waves, which is given by the equation: \[c = f \times \lambda\]
2. Understand that the speed of light (\(c\)) in a vacuum is a constant, approximately \$3.00 \times 10^{8}$ meters per second, and does not change with frequency or wavelength.
3. Rearrange the equation to solve for wavelength: \[\lambda = \frac{c}{f}\]
4. Analyze the relationship: since \(c\) is constant, if the frequency (\(f\)) increases, the denominator of the fraction increases, which means the wavelength (\(\lambda\)) must decrease.
5. Conclude that as the frequency of electromagnetic waves increases, their wavelength decreases, which matches the correct answer.