HW problem A3

[Bryce Ramirez 1J]

The problem asks,
Which of the following happens when the frequency of electromagnetic radiation decreases? Explain your reasoning.
(a) The speed of the radiation decreases.
(b) The wavelength of the radiation decreases.
(c) The extent of the change in the electrical field at a given point decreases.
(d) The energy of the radiation increases.

I know that the answer is c, but my only reasoning is that because all the other ones are false. I don't understand what the change in the electrical field is and how it decreases.

[Donavin Collins 1F]

I did this problem last week, and assuming that I'm correct I explained that the "extent of the change" (which is basically slope) decreases since the waves are more spread out. If the frequency were to increase, then the waves would be more squeezed together which creates a greater slope/extent of the change. Hopefully I explained it correctly! :)

[Malia Shitabata 1F]

I think it relates to the energy since the energy decreases as the frequency decreases and electrons are bound to energies of discrete values; if the energy is lower it has less of a range. You can probably also just explain why the other answers are wrong.