When discussing light or sound waves, there is an inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency. The wavelength (λ) is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave, while the frequency (f) represents the number of complete wave cycles that pass a given point in one second. The relationship between wavelength and frequency can be described by the equation:
c = λ * f
Here, 'c' represents the speed of the wave, which is constant for a given medium. In a vacuum, the speed of light (c) is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second.
For light waves, such as those in the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, etc., the relationship between wavelength and frequency is as follows: shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies, and longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies. This relationship can be summarized by the statement: "As the wavelength decreases, the frequency increases."
For example, within the visible light spectrum, red light has a longer wavelength and a lower frequency compared to violet light, which has a shorter wavelength and a higher frequency.
Similarly, for sound waves, the relationship between wavelength and frequency follows the same principle: shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies, and longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies. In the context of sound, this relationship can be described as: "As the wavelength decreases, the frequency increases."
For instance, a high-pitched sound, such as a whistle, has a shorter wavelength and a higher frequency compared to a low-pitched sound, such as a deep bass note, which has a longer wavelength and a lower frequency.
In summary, both for light and sound waves, there is an inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency: shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies, and longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies.