For a given amount of energy carried by electromagnetic waves (such as light), an increase in frequency and a decrease in wavelength are directly related but have distinct implications:
Increase in Frequency: When the frequency of an electromagnetic wave increases, it means that the number of wave cycles passing a given point per second (the frequency) is higher. Since energy is directly proportional to frequency, an increase in frequency indicates an increase in energy. In other words, higher-frequency waves carry more energy than lower-frequency waves.
Decrease in Wavelength: When the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave decreases, it means that the distance between successive peaks or troughs of the wave is reduced. As the wavelength decreases, the wave becomes more compressed. Since energy is inversely proportional to wavelength, a decrease in wavelength implies an increase in energy. Thus, shorter-wavelength waves carry more energy than longer-wavelength waves.
Therefore, both an increase in frequency and a decrease in wavelength indicate an increase in the energy carried by electromagnetic waves. The energy content of an electromagnetic wave is directly related to its frequency and inversely related to its wavelength. This relationship holds true for the entire electromagnetic spectrum, including light, where the energy of the waves depends on their frequencies and wavelengths.