Which formula relates the speed of light to its frequency and wavelength?

• A. c = f + λ
• B. c = f - λ
• C. c = f × λ
• D. c = f / λ

Answer: (C)

The correct formula that relates the speed of light to its frequency and wavelength is c = f × λ. In this equation:

• c represents the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second.

• f is the frequency of the light wave, measured in hertz (Hz).

• λ (lambda) is the wavelength of the light wave, measured in meters (m).

This relationship shows that the speed of light is equal to the product of its frequency and wavelength. When you multiply these two properties, the result always equals the constant speed of light. This principle is fundamental in understanding wave behavior in physics and establishes how different wavelengths and frequencies of light move at the same speed in a vacuum.

Other formulas, like c = f + λ or c = f - λ, do not correctly express the physical relationship between these variables, as they imply addition or subtraction, which is not applicable in this context. The correct relationship is inherently multiplicative, emphasizing that as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa, while their product remains constant at the speed of light.