Why frequency is more fundamental than wavelength?

In summary, the conversation discusses whether frequency or wavelength is more fundamental in the context of light traveling through different mediums. While both are dependent on each other, frequency does not change as the medium changes, making it appear more fundamental to some. However, this argument may not have much significance.
  • #1
NIKHEL RAINA
20
0
Please anyone explain that why frequency is more fundamental than wavelength inspire wavelength and frequency depend upon each other again frequency and wave number are also depends upon each other
Then why we take the frequency as independent of wave number
 
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  • #2
I haven't noticed writing that treats one as more fundamental than the other, but I can see why one might wish to think of it that way.

Frequency does not change as the medium through which the wave is traveling changes, but wavelength does. As light goes from vacuum to air to glass, its speed changes, and its wavelength changes accordingly, but the frequency remains the same.
 
  • #3
To the source, the frequency seems more fundamental... (as andrewkirk says, the wavelength of the resulting disturbance depends on its propagation speed in the surrounding medium).
 
  • #4
NIKHEL RAINA said:
explain that why frequency is more fundamental than wavelength

Who says that it is?
 
  • #5
NIKHEL RAINA said:
Please anyone explain that why frequency is more fundamental than wavelength inspire wavelength and frequency depend upon each other again frequency and wave number are also depends upon each other
Then why we take the frequency as independent of wave number

1. You may want to consider the use of punctuation.

2. This requires CONTEXT. As has been stated, while frequency doesn't change when light goes from one medium to another, this DOES NOT make frequency "more fundamental".

3. Why does this matter?

Zz.
 

Related to Why frequency is more fundamental than wavelength?

1. Why is frequency considered more fundamental than wavelength?

Frequency is considered more fundamental because it directly relates to the energy and properties of a wave. It represents the number of oscillations or cycles of a wave that occur per unit of time, which is a fundamental characteristic of any wave. In contrast, wavelength is simply a measurement of the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave and does not provide any information about its energy or properties.

2. How does frequency affect the behavior of a wave?

The frequency of a wave directly affects its behavior and properties. For example, a higher frequency wave will have more energy and be able to carry information over longer distances, while a lower frequency wave will have less energy and be more easily absorbed or scattered by obstacles in its path. Additionally, the frequency of a wave determines its type, such as visible light, radio waves, or sound waves.

3. Can the frequency of a wave be changed?

Yes, the frequency of a wave can be changed by altering its source or medium. For example, a guitar string can produce different frequencies by changing its tension, while a radio transmitter can change the frequency of its waves by adjusting its circuit. Additionally, when a wave travels through different materials or mediums, its frequency can change due to factors such as refraction or absorption.

4. Is there a relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Yes, there is an inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength. This means that as the frequency of a wave increases, its wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the mathematical equation: frequency = speed of light / wavelength. Therefore, if the frequency of a wave is known, its wavelength can be calculated, and vice versa.

5. How is frequency used in everyday life?

Frequency is used in various technologies and applications in our everyday lives. For example, radio and television signals use different frequencies to transmit information to our devices. Mobile phones and Wi-Fi also operate on specific frequencies to allow for wireless communication. In medicine, ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal body structures. Additionally, our sense of hearing and vision are also dependent on the frequency of sound and light waves, respectively.

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