A change in the frequency of light fundamentally alters its wavelength and energy.
Frequency is defined as how many wavelengths pass a given point per second. This intrinsic property of light dictates how it interacts with matter and its position within the electromagnetic spectrum.
The Impact of Frequency on Light
Based on the properties of light:
- Frequency and Wavelength: Frequency is inversely related to wavelength. As the frequency of light increases, its wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is evident in the definition itself: "Frequency is how many wavelengths pass a given point per second."
- Frequency and Energy: Frequency is directly related to energy. Higher frequency light carries more energy, while lower frequency light carries less energy. As the reference states, "Longer wavelength light has lower frequencies and less energy. Conversely, shorter wavelength light has higher frequencies and is more energetic." This means light with a higher frequency is inherently more energetic.
In summary, altering the frequency of light changes both its physical length (wavelength) and the amount of energy it carries.
