Texas A&M University (TAMU) CHEM107 General Chemistry for Engineering Students Exam 2 Practice

The correct understanding of the relationship between wavelength and frequency on the electromagnetic spectrum is that as wavelength increases, frequency decreases. This relationship is described by the equation:

\[ c = \lambda \cdot f \]

where \( c \) is the speed of light in a vacuum, \( \lambda \) represents the wavelength, and \( f \) denotes the frequency. This equation shows that the speed of light is constant, so if the wavelength (\( \lambda \)) becomes longer, the frequency (\( f \)) must decrease to maintain this constant speed.

In simpler terms, waves that have a long wavelength spread out over a greater distance, which results in fewer cycles per second (lower frequency). Conversely, shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies, as they can oscillate more cycles within the same time frame. This principle is fundamental in understanding electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, visible light, and gamma rays, within the spectrum. Thus, the accurate statement reflects the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency.