What happens to the wavelength as the frequency of a sound wave increases?

What happens to the wavelength as the frequency of a sound wave increases?

• A. The wavelength increases
• B. The wavelength decreases
• C. The wavelength remains constant
• D. The wavelength becomes unpredictable

Answer: (B)

When the frequency of a sound wave increases, the wavelength decreases. This relationship is defined by the equation that relates the speed of sound, frequency, and wavelength: Speed of Sound = Frequency × Wavelength. In this context, the speed of sound in a given medium remains relatively constant. Therefore, if the frequency increases, the wavelength must decrease to maintain this relationship. This is because wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional; as one goes up, the other must go down. Thus, as the frequency of sound waves rises, the distance between successive wave crests (the wavelength) shortens, demonstrating the inverse relationship effectively.

When the frequency of a sound wave increases, the wavelength decreases. This relationship is defined by the equation that relates the speed of sound, frequency, and wavelength:

Speed of Sound = Frequency × Wavelength.

In this context, the speed of sound in a given medium remains relatively constant. Therefore, if the frequency increases, the wavelength must decrease to maintain this relationship. This is because wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional; as one goes up, the other must go down.

Thus, as the frequency of sound waves rises, the distance between successive wave crests (the wavelength) shortens, demonstrating the inverse relationship effectively.