An electromagnetic wave leaves the surface of a neutron star and travels outward. As the wave gets farther from the star's surface, the _____ and the _____.
A) speed decreases; wavelength increases
B) frequency increases; wavelength decreases
C) frequency decreases; wavelength increases
D) speed decreases; frequency decreases

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The speed of electromagnetic waves (including light) in a vacuum is constant, so as the wave moves away from the strong gravitational field of a neutron star, its frequency decreases due to gravitational redshift, and consequently, its wavelength increases.

An Electromagnetic Wave Leaves the Surface of a Neutron Star