What file format is typically associated with audio files?

The most commonly used file formats for audio files include WAV and MP3, both of which serve different purposes in the realm of audio storage and playback. MP3, which stands for MPEG Audio Layer III, is widely recognized for its ability to compress audio data considerably while maintaining reasonable sound quality. This makes it particularly popular for music downloads and streaming, as it allows for smaller file sizes, which is essential for efficient storage and quicker access.

WAV files, while also audio formats, are typically larger because they store uncompressed audio data, resulting in higher fidelity but at the cost of requiring more storage space. Conversely, the other options—AVI and JPEG—are associated with video and image files, respectively. AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is a multimedia container format primarily for video, while JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a format used for compressed image files. Thus, choosing MP3 as the answer reflects an understanding of commonly utilized audio formats and their applications in digital media.