Which of the following best describes the relationship between wavelength and frequency for electromagnetic radiation emitted by potassium chloride (KCl)?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the fundamental relationship between wavelength (\( \lambda \)) and frequency (\( \nu \)) of electromagnetic radiation, which is given by the equation: \[ c = \lambda \times \nu \] where \( c \) is the speed of light in a vacuum (approximately \( 3.00 \times 10^{8} \) m/s).
2. Understand that the speed of light \( c \) is a constant, so wavelength and frequency are inversely related. This means if one increases, the other must decrease to keep the product \( \lambda \times \nu \) constant.
3. Express the inverse relationship explicitly by rearranging the equation to solve for wavelength: \[ \lambda = \frac{c}{\nu} \] This shows that wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency.
4. Apply this concept to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by potassium chloride (KCl): as the frequency of the emitted radiation increases, the wavelength must decrease to maintain the constant speed of light.
5. Conclude that the correct description of the relationship is: 'As the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases.' This is a general property of all electromagnetic radiation, regardless of the source.