What happens to the wavelength as frequency increases?

• A. The wavelength becomes longer
• B. The wavelength remains constant
• C. The wavelength becomes shorter
• D. The wavelength becomes more complex

Answer: (C)

As frequency increases, the wavelength becomes shorter because wavelength and frequency are inversely related, as dictated by the fundamental wave equation: velocity = frequency × wavelength. When the velocity of a wave remains constant, an increase in frequency results in a proportional decrease in wavelength.

This relationship holds true across various types of waves, including sound and light. For instance, higher frequency sound waves (like a whistle) are perceived as having a shorter wavelength than lower frequency sounds (like a bass drum). Consequently, as the frequency rises, the number of wave cycles per second increases, compressing the space each cycle occupies, which directly shortens the wavelength. Thus, selecting that the wavelength becomes shorter in the context of an increase in frequency accurately reflects the underlying physical principles.