What type of relationship do each pair of variables have with one another?

Variables Direct Indirect
Frequency and wavelength

Frequency and energy

1 answer

In the context of physics, particularly in wave mechanics and quantum mechanics, relationships between the mentioned variables can be described as follows:

1. Frequency and Wavelength

  • Type of Relationship: Indirect
  • Explanation: Frequency (f) and wavelength (λ) are inversely related through the speed of light (c) for electromagnetic waves, expressed by the equation: \[ c = f \cdot \lambda \] This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. Thus, there is an indirect relationship.

2. Frequency and Energy

  • Type of Relationship: Direct
  • Explanation: Frequency (f) and energy (E) are directly related in the context of photons under quantum mechanics, described by the equation: \[ E = h \cdot f \] where \( h \) is Planck's constant. As the frequency increases, the energy also increases, indicating a direct relationship.

In summary:

  • Frequency and Wavelength: Indirect
  • Frequency and Energy: Direct