As a result of absorption, higher frequency waves attenuate more than lower frequency waves.

As a result of absorption, higher frequency waves attenuate more than lower frequency waves.

• A. Less than
• B. Equal to
• C. More than
• D. Not at all

Answer: (D)

Absorption tends to make higher-frequency waves fade faster than lower-frequency ones because the medium absorbs energy from the wave more efficiently at higher oscillation rates. The attenuation is described by an exponential decay with a frequency-dependent coefficient, so as frequency increases, the energy lost per unit distance grows. In practical terms, that means the amplitude or intensity of a higher-frequency wave decreases more quickly as it travels. This is why, for example, ultrasound trades penetration depth for sharper resolution (higher frequencies) and why many materials absorb or scatter shorter-wavelength light more than longer-wavelength light. So the statement is generally true: higher-frequency waves experience more attenuation due to absorption.

Absorption tends to make higher-frequency waves fade faster than lower-frequency ones because the medium absorbs energy from the wave more efficiently at higher oscillation rates. The attenuation is described by an exponential decay with a frequency-dependent coefficient, so as frequency increases, the energy lost per unit distance grows. In practical terms, that means the amplitude or intensity of a higher-frequency wave decreases more quickly as it travels. This is why, for example, ultrasound trades penetration depth for sharper resolution (higher frequencies) and why many materials absorb or scatter shorter-wavelength light more than longer-wavelength light. So the statement is generally true: higher-frequency waves experience more attenuation due to absorption.