If the attenuation coefficient is 0.5 dB/cm, what is the total attenuation over 2 cm?

If the attenuation coefficient is 0.5 dB/cm, what is the total attenuation over 2 cm?

• A. 1.0 dB
• B. 0.5 dB
• C. 2.0 dB
• D. 4.0 dB

Answer: (A)

The attenuation coefficient tells you how many decibels are lost per unit length. With 0.5 dB per centimeter over a distance of 2 centimeters, you multiply: 0.5 × 2 = 1.0 dB. So the total attenuation is 1.0 dB. This aligns with how attenuation scales with distance: longer paths lose more signal at a constant rate. For reference, 1 cm would yield 0.5 dB, and 4 cm would yield 2.0 dB.

The attenuation coefficient tells you how many decibels are lost per unit length. With 0.5 dB per centimeter over a distance of 2 centimeters, you multiply: 0.5 × 2 = 1.0 dB. So the total attenuation is 1.0 dB. This aligns with how attenuation scales with distance: longer paths lose more signal at a constant rate. For reference, 1 cm would yield 0.5 dB, and 4 cm would yield 2.0 dB.