What is the attenuation coefficient?

The attenuation coefficient is a ratio that compares a reduction in the intensity of the energy beam passing through an object with the distance that passes through this object. Knowledge of the coefficient can much easier to calculate the effects of changing any of the factors in this process.

There are two meanings of coefficient in science and mathematics. The first is used in mathematics to display a multiplier. For example, in algebers with a 5x 2 , 5 is a coefficient of X

2 . This meaning is not the one that is used in the attenuation coefficient, and it is important to be aware of this, because the use of this meaning would cause inaccuracy and confusion.

The second meaning of coefficient is a quantitative measure of action or properties. It is a ratio to change another property in one property. For example, the material can be expanded by 5 cm 2 for each Fahrenheit increase in its temperature. This ratio is known as the thermal expansion coefficient. Perhaps the simplest example of a downturn on the ODRázek is sunlight. When sunlight passes through a pair of sunglasses, the intensity of the brightness is reduced.

The attenuation coefficient is therefore the ratio comparing the loss of intensity to the distance the energy beam passes through the material. The units used to express intensity will depend on the exact energy beam. Knowledge of the attenuation coefficient can help scientists predict how changes in one part of interaction, such as thickening sunglasses, can affect another part of interaction, such as the brightness of the light that passes into the eyes.

There are many potential uses of attenuation coefficient. For example, it can be used in the area of ​​X -rays in processing how different materials affect the intensity needed in the X -ray beam. It can also be used to develop how well the wall absorbs sound. Knowledge of the coefficient of attenuation of specific material will allow architects to choose correctlyOU wall thickness to absorb the set sound level.

The attenuation coefficient is also used in ultrasound. Different parts of the body, such as blood and bones, have very different attenuation coefficients. Knowledge of these coefficients and then measurement of reducing the intensity of the ultrasonic beam, as it goes through a known distance, can provide some insight into the different parts of the body by which it passes.