University of Central Florida (UCF) PSC1121 Physical Science Final Practice Exam

The relationship between frequency and wavelength in electromagnetic waves is indeed inversely related. This means that as the frequency of the wave increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship can be expressed mathematically through the equation:

\[ c = f \times \lambda \]

where \( c \) represents the speed of light, \( f \) is the frequency, and \( \lambda \) is the wavelength. Because the speed of light is a constant in a vacuum, any increase in frequency must result in a decrease in wavelength to maintain the equation's balance. This fundamental principle illustrates how frequencies of electromagnetic waves that are higher correspond to shorter wavelengths, which is key to understanding various phenomena such as the electromagnetic spectrum and the behavior of different types of radiation.