What physical attribute of fiber optic cables contributes to lesser attenuation compared to copper cables?

The physical attribute of fiber optic cables that contributes to lesser attenuation compared to copper cables is the optical properties of glass. Fiber optic cables transmit data as light pulses through a core made of glass or plastic. Glass has a much lower attenuation rate for light signals than copper has for electrical signals. This means that over long distances, the signal quality remains high in fiber optic cables, allowing for high-speed data transmission with fewer losses.

In contrast, copper cables suffer from various forms of signal degradation, including resistive losses and electromagnetic interference, which contribute to higher attenuation. The efficiency of light transmission in glass fibers ensures that data can travel further without needing as many repeaters or boosters, making fiber an optimal choice for modern data communication networks.