A wave with a large wavelength will have a lower frequency and lower energy.
The frequency of a wave refers to the number of complete oscillations or cycles of the wave that occur in a given time period. It is typically measured in hertz (Hz), which represents cycles per second. A larger wavelength means that each complete cycle of the wave covers a greater distance, so fewer cycles occur in a given time period. Therefore, the frequency of the wave is lower for waves with larger wavelengths.
Energy, on the other hand, is directly proportional to the frequency of the wave. Higher frequency waves have more energy per photon or per cycle compared to lower frequency waves. This relationship is governed by Planck's equation:
E = hν
where:
- E represents the energy of a single photon of the wave,
- h is Planck's constant (a fundamental constant in physics), and
- ν (nu) denotes the frequency of the wave.
Since a wave with a large wavelength has a lower frequency, it carries less energy per photon or per cycle compared to a wave with a smaller wavelength and higher frequency.