What happens to the frequency of light waves as you move from radio waves to gamma rays?

Study for the CFE Physical Science Honors Test. Explore diverse questions, flashcards, and detailed explanations to ace your exam effectively and boost your confidence.

As you move from radio waves to gamma rays, the frequency of light waves indeed increases. This can be understood by considering the electromagnetic spectrum, which is typically arranged from low-frequency radio waves on one end to high-frequency gamma rays on the other.

In the spectrum, the wavelength of electromagnetic waves decreases as frequency increases. Since frequency and wavelength are inversely related—meaning that as one goes up, the other goes down—this relationship illustrates that as you transition from radio waves, which have long wavelengths and lower frequencies, to gamma rays, which have very short wavelengths but correspondingly high frequencies, there is a clear trend of increasing frequency.

This concept is fundamental in physics and helps to explain many phenomena, including how different types of electromagnetic radiation interact with matter. Understanding this relationship is crucial for grasping concepts in both physics and other scientific disciplines, as it relates to how we use and perceive light and radiation in various applications.

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