As the frequency of electromagnetic radiation increases, what happens to its wavelength?

• A. The wavelength remains unchanged.
• B. The wavelength increases.
• C. The wavelength decreases.
• D. The wavelength first increases, then decreases.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the fundamental relationship between the frequency (\(f\)) and wavelength (\(\lambda\)) of electromagnetic radiation, which is given by the equation \(c = f \times \lambda\), where \(c\) is the speed of light in a vacuum.
2. Understand that the speed of light (\(c\)) is a constant value, approximately \$3.00 \times 10^{8}$ meters per second, and does not change for electromagnetic waves in a vacuum.
3. Since \(c\) is constant, if the frequency (\(f\)) of the radiation increases, the wavelength (\(\lambda\)) must adjust to keep the product \(f \times \lambda\) equal to \(c\).
4. Mathematically rearrange the equation to solve for wavelength: \(\lambda = \frac{c}{f}\), showing that wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency.
5. Conclude that as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, which explains why the correct answer is 'The wavelength decreases.'