In the electromagnetic spectrum, how are wavelength and frequency related?

Wavelength and frequency are related through the fundamental principles of wave mechanics, specifically as they pertain to electromagnetic radiation. The relationship between these two properties is defined by the equation ( c = \lambda \cdot f ), where ( c ) is the speed of light in a vacuum, ( \lambda ) is the wavelength, and ( f ) is the frequency.

In this relationship, as the wavelength increases (larger ( \lambda )), the frequency must decrease (smaller ( f )) to maintain the constant speed of light. This means that when one property increases, the other must compensate by decreasing. Thus, wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional to each other. This is why the correct answer is that they are inversely proportional. Understanding this relationship is crucial in physics and various applications in technology, such as telecommunications and laser operations, where the behavior of waves plays a critical role.