Which statement correctly describes the relationship between frequency and wavelength of electromagnetic radiation?

• A. Frequency and wavelength are independent of each other.
• B. As wavelength decreases, frequency decreases.
• C. As frequency increases, wavelength also increases.
• D. As frequency increases, wavelength decreases.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the fundamental relationship between the speed of light (\(c\)), frequency (\(\nu\)), and wavelength (\(\lambda\)) of electromagnetic radiation, which is given by the equation: \(c = \nu \times \lambda\).
2. Understand that the speed of light (\(c\)) in a vacuum is a constant, approximately \$3.00 \times 10^{8}$ meters per second, meaning it does not change regardless of the frequency or wavelength.
3. Since \(c\) is constant, frequency and wavelength must be inversely related. This means if one increases, the other must decrease to keep the product \(\nu \times \lambda\) equal to \(c\).
4. Analyze the options given: if frequency increases, wavelength must decrease to maintain the constant speed of light, which matches the statement 'As frequency increases, wavelength decreases.'
5. Conclude that frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional, and the correct description of their relationship is that as frequency increases, wavelength decreases.