Which of the following statements about the relationship between wavelength and frequency is most likely incorrect?

• A. Wavelength and frequency of electromagnetic radiation are inversely related.
• B. The product of wavelength and frequency equals the speed of light.
• C. As the wavelength of light increases, its frequency decreases.
• D. Light with a longer wavelength has a higher frequency.

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 (a constant).
2. Understand that since \( c \) is constant, wavelength and frequency must be inversely proportional. This means if wavelength increases, frequency must decrease, and vice versa.
3. Analyze each statement in the problem: - "Wavelength and frequency are inversely related" aligns with the inverse proportionality from the equation. - "The product of wavelength and frequency equals the speed of light" directly matches the equation. - "As wavelength increases, frequency decreases" is consistent with inverse relationship.
4. Identify the incorrect statement: "Light with a longer wavelength has a higher frequency" contradicts the inverse relationship because a longer wavelength should correspond to a lower frequency, not higher.
5. Summarize that the key concept is the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency, which is mathematically expressed by \( c = \lambda \times \nu \), and any statement contradicting this is incorrect.