In a fixed medium, how is the wavelength related to frequency?

In a fixed medium, how is the wavelength related to frequency?

• A. Wavelength is directly proportional to frequency
• B. Wavelength is independent of frequency
• C. Wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency
• D. Wavelength equals the frequency

Answer: (C)

In a fixed medium, the wave speed is constant, and the relationship v = fλ ties speed to both frequency and wavelength. Since v is fixed, solving for wavelength gives λ = v / f. This means wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency: as frequency goes up, wavelength goes down, and vice versa. For example, doubling the frequency halves the wavelength if the medium stays the same. The other possibilities would require changing the speed or violate the units of wavelength and frequency.

In a fixed medium, the wave speed is constant, and the relationship v = fλ ties speed to both frequency and wavelength. Since v is fixed, solving for wavelength gives λ = v / f. This means wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency: as frequency goes up, wavelength goes down, and vice versa. For example, doubling the frequency halves the wavelength if the medium stays the same. The other possibilities would require changing the speed or violate the units of wavelength and frequency.