Which of the following best describes the relationship between the wavelength (λ) and frequency (ν) of light?

• A. They are both constant for all types of light.
• B. They are inversely proportional; as wavelength increases, frequency decreases.
• C. They are directly proportional; as wavelength increases, frequency also increases.
• D. They are unrelated; wavelength and frequency do not affect each other.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the fundamental relationship between the speed of light (c), wavelength (\\lambda), and frequency (\\nu), which is given by the equation: \(c = \lambda \times \nu\)
2. Understand that the speed of light (c) in a vacuum is a constant value, approximately \$3.00 \times 10^{8}$ meters per second.
3. Since \(c\) is constant, if the wavelength (\\lambda) increases, the frequency (\\nu) must decrease to keep the product \(\lambda \times \nu\) equal to \(c\).
4. This means wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional to each other, which can be expressed as: \(\nu = \frac{c}{\lambda}\)
5. Therefore, the correct description is that wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional; as wavelength increases, frequency decreases.