When frequency is increased in a material with a constant velocity, what happens to the wavelength?

When frequency is increased in a material with a constant velocity, the wavelength decreases. This relationship is defined by the wave equation, which states that the wave speed (velocity) is equal to the frequency multiplied by the wavelength. Mathematically, it can be expressed as:

[ V = f \times \lambda ]

Where:

• ( V ) is the velocity of the wave,

• ( f ) is the frequency,

• ( \lambda ) (lambda) is the wavelength.

In this situation, if the velocity is held constant and the frequency increases, the equation dictates that the wavelength must decrease to maintain the equality. Therefore, as the frequency rises, the wavelength shortens, illustrating the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength. This fundamental principle is crucial in understanding wave behavior in various applications, including those in nondestructive testing.