Clarification on C=λv

[Kai_Chiu 1F]

Why does wavelength have to decrease if frequency decreases?

[altaing]

When you multiply wavelength by frequency, you should end up with c (speed of light). If both increase the desired value (3.00 x 10^8 m/s) will be overshot/missed. Therefore, as you increase one, the other must me decreased because the speed of light is a constant.

[Kai_Chiu 1F]

Thank you for clarifying!

[altaing]

You're welcome!

[tiffanyteguh1C]

Is 3.00 x 10^8 m/s a constant that is used for all C=λv equations?

[Emma Miltenberger 2I]

Yes, c is a constant. C is the speed of light and does not change. Therefore, in all C=λv problems, you should set c equal to 3.00*10^8 m/s. The wavelength and frequency are what will change in this equation.

[Leanne Wong 1H]

Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional to each other which means if frequency increases then wavelength decreases or vice versa.

[Meredith Steinberg 2E]

Since speed of light is constant (3.00 x 10^8 m/s) and therefore cannot change, if wavelength increases, frequency must decrease to keep their product equal to speed of light.

[Yizhou Liu 3L]

When frequency decreases, wavelength will increase because the speed of light is constant.

[Irma Ramos 2I]

Is it safe to say that electromagnetic radiation and wavelength are inversely proportional, while frequency and electromagnetic radiation are directly related, based on the responses above?

[Cam Bear 2F]

Energy of a photon=hv
c=λν or v=c/λ
Therefore, E=h(c/λ)
So, you could say energy of a photon and wavelength are inversely proportional while energy and frequency are directly proportional.