What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

The relationship between frequency and wavelength is characterized as being inversely proportional. This means that as the frequency of a wave increases, its wavelength decreases, and vice versa. The underlying reason for this relationship lies in the wave equation, which states that the speed of a wave (v) is equal to the frequency (f) multiplied by the wavelength (λ). Mathematically, this can be expressed as:

v = f × λ

In a vacuum, the speed of light is a constant, approximately (3.00 \times 10^8) meters per second. Therefore, if the frequency increases, the wavelength must decrease to keep the wave speed constant. This inverse relationship is fundamental in understanding various phenomena in physics and chemistry, including the behavior of electromagnetic waves and the spectral properties of atoms.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for interpreting how energy is carried by waves, as higher frequency waves often correspond to higher energy levels, while longer wavelengths correlate to lower energy states.