Dictionary:Absorption coefficient
If the amplitude A is expressed as
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