Difference between revisions of "Attenuation Coefficient"
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Attenuation Coefficient
(symbol Missing Image:IMG SRC="equat/alphasm.gif" WIDTH=14 HEIGHT=11 alt="attenuation coefficient symbol")
A measure of the space rate of attenuation of any transmitted
electromagnetic radiation. The
attenuation coefficient is defined by
<math>dI = -aI0dx
or
I = I0e-ax</math>
where I is the flux density at the selected point in space;
<math>I0</math>
is the flux density at the source; x is the distance from the
source; and a is the attenuation coefficient.
In general, the attenuation coefficient is specified only
when the attenuation is known to be due to both absorption and
scattering, or when it is impossible to determine which is the
cause. See
absorption coefficient,
scattering coefficient.
References
This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use
