Question

Two waves were analyzed with some high-tech instrumentation. The first wave was found to have a wavelength of 3 x 10 m and the second wave had a wavelength of 3 x 10 m. Which wave would have a higher frequency? Explain​

Answer 1

Explanation:

The first wave was found to have a wavelength of 3 x 10⁵ m and the second wave had a wavelength of 3 x 10⁴ m

We need to find which wave have a higher frequency.

The relation between frequency and wavelength is given by :

$c=f\lambda$

Let f₁ and f₂ be the frequency of wave 1 and wave 2.

$f_1=\dfrac{c}{\lambda_1}\\\\f_1=\dfrac{3\times 10^8}{3\times 10^5}\\\\=1000\ Hz$

And

$f_2=\dfrac{c}{\lambda_2}\\\\f_2=\dfrac{3\times 10^8}{3\times 10^4}\\\\=10000\ Hz$

Hence, the wave having less wavelength will have higher frequency. The wave having wavelength 3 x 10⁴ m will have higher frequency.