What happens to the energy of a wave as it moves away from its source?

The energy of a wave tends to spread out and disperse as the wave moves away from its source. This phenomenon is known as wave attenuation or wave decay. The dissipation of energy occurs due to various factors, and the extent of attenuation depends on the type of wave and the medium through which it is traveling. Here are some key points:

Spreading Out:

• As a wave propagates through a medium, it tends to spread out over a larger area. This spreading is a natural consequence of the wavefront expanding as it moves away from the source.

Geometric Spreading:

• In some cases, such as with spherical wavefronts, the geometric spreading of the wave leads to a decrease in the wave's intensity with increasing distance from the source.

Absorption:

• Some waves may lose energy through absorption by the medium they are traveling through. The energy is converted into other forms, such as heat, which can contribute to the attenuation of the wave.

Scattering:

• Scattering is another process that can contribute to the dispersion of wave energy. It involves the redirection of a portion of the wave in various directions.

Reflection and Refraction:

• When waves encounter boundaries between different media, some of the energy may be reflected or refracted, contributing to the dissipation of energy.