Final answer:
Attenuation refers to the decrease in amplitude of a sound wave as it travels away from its source due to the dispersion of its energy over a wider area and the absorption of sound energy by objects and air, which is true.
Step-by-step explanation:
Attenuation is indeed the weakening of a signal as it travels long distances, and so the statement is true. Attenuation occurs as the amplitude of a sound wave decreases with distance from its source due to the spreading out of the wave's energy over an increasing area. Additionally, some of this energy is absorbed by objects and converted to thermal energy, which also diminishes the sound wave's amplitude. Other factors such as the viscosity of air lead to the conversion of sound energy into random thermal motions, further contributing to attenuation. Contrary to some misconceptions, the frequency or speed of a sound wave does not decrease as it propagates; rather, it's the energy distribution that affects the amplitude.