wavelength-frequency-three-row-scan - Electromagnetic Waves and Polarization Step by Step

Three exact wavelength-frequency pairs show the inverse relation at fixed speed. Exact arithmetic here means exact results for the stated model inputs; measured inputs still carry uncertainty and significant-figure limits.

highlighted = computed this step

Short wavelength needs high frequency

At wavelength 1 metre, the frequency must be 6 hertz to keep speed 6 metres per second.

c=\lambda f=1\ \text{m}\cdot6\ \text{Hz}=6\ \text{m}/\text{s}

Doubling wavelength halves the frequency

Wavelength 2 metres pairs with frequency 3 hertz. The product stays at the same speed.

\lambda f=2\ \text{m}\cdot3\ \text{Hz}=6\ \text{m}/\text{s}

Longer wavelength lowers frequency again

The third wavelength is 3 metres and the matching frequency is 2 hertz. The inverse pair is now visible across three rows.

\lambda f=3\ \text{m}\cdot2\ \text{Hz}=6\ \text{m}/\text{s}