What happens to the frequency if the wavelength of a wave increases?

When considering the relationship between frequency and wavelength in waves, it's important to reference the wave equation, which states that the speed of a wave is equal to its frequency multiplied by its wavelength (v = f × λ). In this equation, 'v' represents the speed of the wave, which remains constant in a given medium.

If the wavelength increases while the speed of the wave remains constant, the frequency must decrease to maintain the equality of the equation. This is because a longer wavelength corresponds to fewer wavelengths passing a fixed point in a given amount of time, which translates to a lower frequency.

Thus, when the wavelength of a wave increases, the frequency indeed decreases, as the product of frequency and wavelength must equal the constant speed of the wave in that medium. This fundamental relationship is critical in understanding wave behavior across different contexts in physics.