Final answer:
The correct term for the weakening of a signal as it travels through a network is attenuation. When energy dissipates over time, causing the amplitude of a wave or signal to reduce to zero, this phenomenon is called damping.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the weakening of a signal as it travels through a network is attenuation. Attenuation describes the reduction in the strength or amplitude of a signal over distance or as it passes through a medium. This can result from factors such as the resistance of the wires, the quality of the transmission media, or interference from other signals. It's an important concept in network design because it limits the range over which a signal can be effectively transmitted without amplification or repeaters.
As energy dissipates over time, the phenomenon that describes the gradual reduction of amplitude to zero is known as damping. Damping affects waves and signals by reducing their amplitude, and it is generally because energy is being absorbed or otherwise lost to the surrounding environment. The correct answer here, relating to damping, is d. Over time the energy dissipates and the amplitude gradually reduces to zero.