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The attenuation coefficient (also known as the total absorption coefficient) quantifies the loss of energy of electromagnetic radiation as it travels through a medium. This coefficient takes into account:
- Absorption: The process where the medium absorbs energy from the radiation, converting it into other forms such as heat.
- Scattering: The redirection of radiation in various directions, leading to a loss of intensity in the original direction.
The attenuation coefficient is relevant in narrow beam conditions where the radiation is focused and passes through a specific medium. It is a critical parameter in fields like optics, telecommunications, and environmental science, providing insights into how different materials affect the transmission of electromagnetic waves.
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