Dictionary:Absorption coefficient

If the amplitude A is expressed as

$A=A_{0}e^{-\alpha x}\$

where x=distance, α is the absorption coefficient or attenuation factor. It usually varies linearly with frequency and is often expressed in dB/wavelength (typically 0.20 to 0.50 dB/λ). Distinction may or may not be made as to the reason for attenuation (i.e., absorption or some other mechanism).

See also

• Q — quality factor