Attenuation refers to the reduction in strength or intensity of a signal as it travels through a medium. This phenomenon can occur in various contexts, such as in telecommunications, where signals weaken over long distances, or in acoustics, where sound diminishes as it moves away from the source. Factors contributing to attenuation include distance, obstacles, and the properties of the medium, such as air or water. For example, in fiber optic cables, light signals can experience attenuation due to scattering and absorption, affecting the quality of data transmission over long distances.