What happens to frequency and energy as wavelength decreases?

Prepare for the GEARS End-of-Year Exam. Dive into flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed hints and explanations. Ace your test!

Multiple Choice

What happens to frequency and energy as wavelength decreases?

Explanation:
Frequency and energy are linked to wavelength through the speed of light and Planck’s constant. In vacuum, the frequency f and wavelength λ satisfy f = c/λ, so shortening the wavelength raises the frequency. The energy of a photon is E = h f, so higher frequency means higher energy. Equivalently, E = h c / λ shows energy is inversely proportional to wavelength. Therefore, as wavelength decreases, both frequency and energy increase.

Frequency and energy are linked to wavelength through the speed of light and Planck’s constant. In vacuum, the frequency f and wavelength λ satisfy f = c/λ, so shortening the wavelength raises the frequency. The energy of a photon is E = h f, so higher frequency means higher energy. Equivalently, E = h c / λ shows energy is inversely proportional to wavelength. Therefore, as wavelength decreases, both frequency and energy increase.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy