Question

which best describes electromagnetic waves moving from gamma rays to radio waves along the electromagnetic spectrum?
wavelength and frequency decrease.
wavelength and frequency increase.
wavelength increases, and frequency decreases.
wavelength decreases, and frequency increases.

Explanation:

Electromagnetic waves have a relationship \(c = \lambda f\) (where \(c\) is the speed of light, \(\lambda\) is wavelength, and \(f\) is frequency). Gamma rays have short wavelengths and high frequencies. Radio waves have long wavelengths and low frequencies. As we move from gamma rays to radio waves along the electromagnetic spectrum, wavelength increases. Since \(c\) is constant (\(c = 3\times10^{8}\ m/s\)), if \(\lambda\) increases, \(f=\frac{c}{\lambda}\) must decrease.

Answer:

C. Wavelength increases, and frequency decreases.