If the frequency of a given wave is decreased by a factor of four, how will its wavelength change?
A) The wavelength will decrease by a factor of four.
B) The wavelength will increase by a factor of four.
C) The wavelength will remain unchanged.
D) The change in wavelength is determined by the medium through which the wave is traveling.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The speed of a wave is the product of its frequency and wavelength. If the frequency decreases by a factor of four and the speed of the wave remains constant (assuming the medium doesn't change), the wavelength must increase by a factor of four to maintain the same wave speed.

If the Frequency of a Given Wave Is Decreased by a Factor