Why frequency is more fundamental than wavelength?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether frequency is more fundamental than wavelength in the context of wave behavior. Participants explore the relationships between frequency, wavelength, and wave number, considering their dependencies and implications in different media.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the premise that frequency is more fundamental than wavelength, noting that both depend on each other.
  • Another participant suggests that frequency might be considered more fundamental because it remains constant when a wave transitions between different media, while wavelength changes.
  • A third participant agrees with the notion that frequency appears more fundamental to the source of the wave, as wavelength is influenced by the propagation speed in the medium.
  • One participant challenges the assertion that frequency is more fundamental, asking for clarification on who claims this and why it is significant.
  • A later reply emphasizes the need for context in discussing the fundamental nature of frequency versus wavelength, suggesting that the constancy of frequency does not inherently make it more fundamental.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether frequency is more fundamental than wavelength. Multiple competing views are presented, with some supporting the idea of frequency's primacy and others questioning it.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of context in the discussion, indicating that the relationships between frequency, wavelength, and wave number are complex and dependent on specific conditions.

NIKHEL RAINA
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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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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.
 
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).
 
NIKHEL RAINA said:
explain that why frequency is more fundamental than wavelength

Who says that it is?
 
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.
 

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