Is it true that the longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency and energy?

Prepare for the NEHA Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Excel in your exam!

The correct response is based on fundamental principles of wave physics, specifically in the context of electromagnetic radiation. Wavelength, frequency, and energy are interrelated properties of waves.

When discussing electromagnetic waves, the speed of light is a constant, and it is the product of frequency and wavelength. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as:

[ c = λ \cdot f ]

where ( c ) is the speed of light, ( λ ) is the wavelength, and ( f ) is the frequency. As the wavelength increases, the frequency must decrease for the equation to hold true—assuming the speed of light remains constant. Therefore, longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies.

Moreover, energy is directly proportional to frequency, as defined by the equation:

[ E = h \cdot f ]

where ( E ) is energy, ( h ) is Planck's constant, and ( f ) is frequency. A lower frequency means that the energy is also lower, since energy increases with frequency.

In conclusion, as the wavelength increases, both the frequency and energy decrease, making the statement true. This understanding is crucial in fields such as environmental health, where the effects of different types of radiation (such as UV light,

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