What does a lower frequency imply about its wavelength?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the UCF SPA4326 Hearing Disorders Across the Lifespan Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

A lower frequency implies a longer wavelength due to the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength in wave physics. The formula that describes this relationship is given by ( v = f \lambda ), where ( v ) represents the speed of sound (which is constant in a given medium), ( f ) is the frequency, and ( \lambda ) is the wavelength.

When frequency decreases, for the speed of sound to remain constant, the wavelength must increase. Therefore, a sound wave with a lower frequency will travel with a longer wavelength. This principle is foundational in understanding sound and its characteristics, particularly in the context of hearing disorders, where different frequencies can have distinct impacts on auditory perception and processing throughout the lifespan. This knowledge is crucial for the identification and management of hearing disorders.