Which statement best describes divergence behavior as frequency increases?

Which statement best describes divergence behavior as frequency increases?

• A. Divergence decreases
• B. Divergence increases
• C. Divergence remains constant
• D. Not enough information

Answer: (A)

Divergence in many wave systems is governed by diffraction: the angular spread of a beam is set by the wavelength relative to the size of the opening or aperture. The diffraction angle scales with wavelength over the characteristic dimension of the system. When frequency increases, the wavelength decreases (since wavelength is inversely related to frequency), so the diffraction angle becomes smaller. Put simply, higher frequency makes the beam more tightly collimated, reducing divergence. That’s why the statement describing divergence as decreasing with increasing frequency is the best fit.

Divergence in many wave systems is governed by diffraction: the angular spread of a beam is set by the wavelength relative to the size of the opening or aperture. The diffraction angle scales with wavelength over the characteristic dimension of the system. When frequency increases, the wavelength decreases (since wavelength is inversely related to frequency), so the diffraction angle becomes smaller. Put simply, higher frequency makes the beam more tightly collimated, reducing divergence. That’s why the statement describing divergence as decreasing with increasing frequency is the best fit.