What does attenuation of a coaxial cable signify?

Attenuation of a coaxial cable signifies a loss of signal power as it travels through the cable. This phenomenon occurs due to several factors, including the inherent resistance of the cable material, dielectric losses, and imperfections within the cable. As the signal propagates, energy is lost in the form of heat, which leads to a reduction in the overall strength and quality of the signal received at the other end.

Understanding attenuation is crucial when designing and troubleshooting cable systems because it influences the distance that signals can be transmitted effectively before they degrade below acceptable levels. Engineers often refer to attenuation in decibels (dB) per unit length (like per 100 feet or meters) to quantify how much the signal power diminishes.

The other choices, while relevant to different aspects of signal transmission, do not accurately describe the concept of attenuation in this context.