ARRL Technician Practice Exam

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Prepare for the ARRL Technician Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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How does the wavelength of a radio wave relate to its frequency?

The wavelength gets longer as the frequency increases
The wavelength remains constant regardless of frequency
The wavelength gets shorter as the frequency increases
The wavelength is unrelated to the frequency

The correct answer is: The wavelength gets shorter as the frequency increases

The wavelength of a radio wave is inversely proportional to its frequency. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases. This relationship is articulated by the formula: \[ \text{Wavelength} (\lambda) = \frac{c}{f} \] where $c$ represents the speed of light (approximately $300,000,000$ meters per second) and $f$ is the frequency in hertz. When the frequency increases, the formula indicates that the wavelength must decrease to maintain the equality, resulting in shorter wavelengths for higher frequencies. This fundamental principle is crucial in understanding how radio waves propagate and interact with the environment. Higher frequency waves generally have shorter wavelengths, which can affect their ability to diffract around obstacles and penetrate through materials, significantly impacting radio communication and transmission technologies.