Electromagnetic (EM) wave attenuation occurs in conductors but is significantly less in dielectrics. While conductors exhibit energy loss due to their inherent resistive properties, dielectrics have lower absorption rates, allowing EM waves to propagate with minimal attenuation. The impedance of a dielectric represents its ability to store and release energy, rather than indicating energy loss as seen in conductors. In many practical applications, the imaginary part of the permittivity (Im{ε}) of a dielectric can be neglected due to its minimal impact on wave propagation.
PREREQUISITESElectrical engineers, physicists, and students studying electromagnetic theory, particularly those interested in the behavior of EM waves in different materials.