What happens to wavelength as frequency increases?

When frequency increases, the wavelength of a wave decreases due to the inverse relationship defined by the wave equation, which states that the speed of a wave is equal to its frequency multiplied by its wavelength. This can be expressed mathematically as ( v = f \lambda ), where ( v ) is the wave speed, ( f ) is the frequency, and ( \lambda ) is the wavelength.

In a vacuum, the speed of the wave remains constant. Therefore, if the frequency increases, to keep the equation balanced, the wavelength must decrease. This means that as you push more cycles of the wave through a given point in a second (high frequency), each individual cycle must occupy a smaller amount of space, resulting in a shorter wavelength.

Understanding this relationship is crucial in fields such as nondestructive testing, where ultrasound and other wave-based methodologies are employed. The frequency and wavelength of the ultrasonic waves are crucial in determining the resolution and penetration ability of the tests being conducted.