Editing Attenuation (section)

{{Short description|Gradual loss of flux intensity through a medium}}
{{About|attenuation in physics|other uses|Attenuation (disambiguation)}}

In [[physics]], '''attenuation''' (in some contexts, '''extinction''') is the gradual loss of [[flux]] intensity through a [[Transmission medium|medium]]. For instance, dark [[glasses]] attenuate [[sunlight]], [[lead]] attenuates [[X-ray]]s, and [[water]] and [[air]] attenuate both [[light]] and [[sound]] at variable attenuation rates.

[[Hearing protection device|Hearing protectors]] help reduce [[Sound power|acoustic flux]] from flowing into the ears. This phenomenon is called [[acoustic attenuation]] and is measured in [[decibel]]s (dBs).

In [[electrical engineering]] and [[telecommunications]], attenuation affects the [[Wave propagation|propagation of waves]] and [[signal]]s in [[electrical circuit]]s, in [[optical fiber]]s, and in air. [[Attenuator (electronics)|Electrical attenuators]] and [[optical attenuator]]s are commonly manufactured components in this field.