ACS Chemistry Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Question: 1 / 400

What happens to the frequency of a photon when its wavelength increases?

The frequency increases

The frequency decreases

The frequency of a photon is inversely related to its wavelength, which is described by the equation:

\[ c = \lambda \cdot \nu \]

where \( c \) is the speed of light, \( \lambda \) is the wavelength, and \( \nu \) is the frequency. When the wavelength of a photon increases, the equation implies that the frequency must decrease to maintain the constant speed of light. This is because, as the wavelength becomes longer, there are fewer cycles of the wave that pass a point in a given amount of time, resulting in a lower frequency.

Thus, an increase in wavelength leads to a decrease in frequency. This relationship is fundamental in understanding wave behavior in physics and is crucial for comprehending electromagnetic radiation and its various forms.

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The frequency remains the same

The frequency becomes zero

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