Multiple Choice
What is the frequency (in Hz) of light that has a wavelength of 249 nm? (Use the speed of light, c = 3.00 × 10^8 m/s.)
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9. Quantum Mechanics
Wavelength and Frequency
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Which of the following statements about the relationship between wavelength and frequency is most likely incorrect?
A
As the wavelength of light increases, its frequency decreases.
B
A wave with a longer wavelength has a higher frequency.
C
The product of wavelength and frequency equals the speed of light.
D
Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional for electromagnetic waves.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the fundamental relationship between wavelength (\( \lambda \)) and frequency (\( \nu \)) for electromagnetic waves, which is given by the equation:
\[ c = \lambda \times \nu \]
where \( c \) is the speed of light, a constant.
Understand that since \( c \) is constant, wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional. This means if the wavelength increases, the frequency must decrease to keep the product constant, and vice versa.
Analyze each statement in the problem:
- "As the wavelength of light increases, its frequency decreases." This aligns with the inverse relationship and is correct.
- "A wave with a longer wavelength has a higher frequency." This contradicts the inverse relationship and is likely incorrect.
- "The product of wavelength and frequency equals the speed of light." This is the fundamental equation and is correct.
- "Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional for electromagnetic waves." This restates the relationship and is correct.
Identify the incorrect statement as the one that claims a longer wavelength corresponds to a higher frequency, which contradicts the inverse proportionality.
Summarize that the key concept is the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency, governed by the constant speed of light, and any statement contradicting this is incorrect.
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