Frequency vs. Wavelength graph

[MedPR]

Why isn't a frequency vs wavelength graph linear with negative slope? If you are asked to identify the graph from 4 graphs, how do you know anything more than the fact that wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship?

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[dranet]

Its hyperbolic because it is an inverse relationship. If it were as you say it would be Freq=-Wavelength.

 

[411309]

Why isn't a frequency vs wavelength graph linear with negative slope? If you are asked to identify the graph from 4 graphs, how do you know anything more than the fact that wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship?

This is a good question. In fact when I was on that chapter from TBR and was faced with the exact same question I applied your logic and tbr informed me i was wrong. They never really said why..but this is what I think. It's not a perfect linear relationship because the medium affects wavelength while medium doesnt affect frequency (if i recall). So while they are inversely related it's not a perfect linear inverse relationship because the medium also affects the wavelength. Thats my theory. Could be wrong. Honestly I had the same question you did, it seems like a lot of the graph questions can easily be misinterpreted...

 

[dmf2682]

Why isn't a frequency vs wavelength graph linear with negative slope? If you are asked to identify the graph from 4 graphs, how do you know anything more than the fact that wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship?

Not to be mean or anything, but from everything you've posted it sounds like you'd be well served to maybe audit a physics class or two if you haven't taken it already.

 

[MT Headed]

Why isn't a frequency vs wavelength graph linear with negative slope? If you are asked to identify the graph from 4 graphs, how do you know anything more than the fact that wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship?

Are we assuming velocity is a constant here? The equation is velocity=frequency x lambda, so it is a multiplicative inverse and not an additive inverse.

The EK series has a tiny introductory book called something like "math tips and verbal strategy", and it has a whole section on how to approach MCAT graph type questions.