Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2022-2026 Question Pool | Topic: T3B
T3B05T3B

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Deep Dive: T3B05

The correct answer is B: Wavelength gets shorter as frequency increases. There is an inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency: as frequency increases, wavelength decreases (gets shorter). This is because the speed of light is constant, so if frequency goes up, wavelength must go down. The relationship is: wavelength = speed of light / frequency. Since the speed of light is constant, wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional. Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths, and lower frequencies have longer wavelengths. For example, 2 meters (144-148 MHz) has a shorter wavelength than 20 meters (14-14.35 MHz), which has a shorter wavelength than 80 meters (3.5-4.0 MHz).

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Wavelength doesn't get longer as frequency increases. It gets shorter - they have an inverse relationship. Option C: Incorrect. Wavelength and frequency are definitely related. They have an inverse relationship through the speed of light. Option D: Incorrect. Wavelength and frequency don't increase with path length. Path length is the distance traveled, not related to the wavelength-frequency relationship.

Exam Tip

Frequency up = Wavelength down. Remember: As frequency increases, wavelength decreases (gets shorter). They have an inverse relationship because the speed of light is constant.

Memory Aid

**F**requency **W**avelength = **F**aster **W**aves **S**horter (think 'FW = FWS' = Faster Waves Shorter, higher frequency = shorter wavelength)

Real-World Example

You're comparing 2-meter and 20-meter signals. The 2-meter band (around 144 MHz) has a wavelength of approximately 2 meters. The 20-meter band (around 14 MHz) has a wavelength of approximately 20 meters. The higher frequency (2 meters) has the shorter wavelength, and the lower frequency (20 meters) has the longer wavelength. This inverse relationship holds for all frequencies.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool

Subelement: T3B

Reference: FCC Part 97.3

Key Concepts

Wavelength Frequency Inverse relationship Speed of light

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T3B topic.