Sound attenuation refers to the reduction of sound intensity as it travels through a medium or encounters obstacles. This process can occur due to absorption, reflection, or scattering of sound waves. Materials like acoustic panels and insulation are often used to enhance sound attenuation in buildings, helping to minimize noise pollution and improve sound quality. Factors affecting sound attenuation include the frequency of the sound, the distance it travels, and the properties of the medium it passes through. For example, higher frequency sounds tend to attenuate more quickly than lower frequency sounds. Understanding sound attenuation is essential in fields like architecture and audio engineering.