Chapter 25, Problem 10A

As the frequency of sound is increased, does the wavelength increase or decrease? Give an example.

To determine

To explain: Whether the wavelength will increase or decrease along with example.

Answer to Problem 10A

Wavelength will decrease. For example, waves produced by musical instruments.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The velocity of a wave is equal to the product of frequency and the wavelength.

  $v=f\times \lambda$

Using the above relation, it is clear that the frequency is inversely proportional to the wavelength. Thus, if frequency of the sound wave increases, then wavelength decreases. For example, when disturbance creates in the musical instrument then sound is produced, whose intensity and frequency are high but it fades away as it propagates in the medium its wavelength decreases.

Conclusion:

Thus, when frequency increases, wavelength decreases. For example, waves produced by musical instruments.