What type of noise is characterized by internal distractions, such as anxiety about an exam?

Internal noise is characterized by distractions that stem from within the individual, affecting their ability to effectively communicate or process information. This type of noise includes thoughts, feelings, and anxieties that can interfere with a person's focus and comprehension. In the context of the question, anxiety about an exam exemplifies how mental distractions can hinder one's ability to listen or respond adequately during communication.

In contrast, external noise refers to physical sounds from the environment that can disrupt communication, such as loud vehicles or conversations nearby. Physical noise primarily focuses on tangible disturbances that occur outside of a person's mind. Semantic noise involves misunderstandings due to language differences, jargon, or ambiguities in the message itself, which distract from the intended meaning. Since the question highlights internal distractions, the identification of internal noise as the correct answer accurately reflects the nature of the described scenario.