The wavelength of electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, visible light, or X-rays, is determined by the frequency of the wave and the speed at which it propagates through a medium.
The wavelength (λ) and frequency (f) of a wave are related by the equation: c = λf, where c represents the speed of light. This equation shows that as the frequency of a wave increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa.
The speed of light in a vacuum is a constant value of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (m/s). However, when electromagnetic waves pass through different materials or mediums, their speed can change, and consequently, their wavelength can also change.
Different types of electromagnetic waves have different frequencies, which directly determine their wavelengths. For example, radio waves have relatively low frequencies and long wavelengths, while gamma rays have high frequencies and short wavelengths.
In summary, the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave is determined by its frequency and the speed at which it propagates through a medium. The different types of electromagnetic waves have different frequencies, which result in varying wavelengths.