Attenuation refers to...

• A. Increase in RF energy with distance.
• B. Reduced noise floor over distance.
• C. Reduction in RF wave strength due to scattering or absorption.
• D. Complete loss of signal beyond a certain range.

Answer: (C)

Attenuation means the weakening of the RF signal as it travels through space or a medium. As waves move, energy spreads out and parts of it are absorbed or scattered by the air, moisture, rain, foliage, or other materials. This loss reduces the signal power reaching the receiver. It isn’t an increase in energy with distance, nor does it simply lower the noise floor; and while extreme conditions can make a signal seem to disappear beyond some range, attenuation itself is about gradual reduction in strength due to scattering or absorption.