Passive voice can impact the tone of a sentence by often creating a more formal, detached, or neutral effect compared to active voice. When employing passive voice, the focus is shifted from the doer of the action to the recipient of the action, which can give a sense of objectivity or detachment. This can make the tone more impersonal, indirect, or formal, depending on the context.

For instance, in an academic or scientific paper where objectivity is crucial, passive voice may be preferred to highlight the actions taken rather than the individuals performing them. This can help maintain a neutral and professional tone.

Moreover, passive voice can be used to emphasize the action or the result of the action rather than the doer, which can be useful in situations where the doer is unknown, unimportant, or should be downplayed.

In terms of audience, using passive voice can help create a sense of formality and professionalism, making it suitable for conveying information in a serious or authoritative manner. However, overusing passive voice can make writing dull and less engaging, so it should be balanced with active voice to maintain readability and variety.

In conclusion, passive voice can influence the tone of a sentence by creating a more formal, detached, or neutral effect compared to active voice. It can be employed strategically to convey objectivity, focus on actions rather than actors, and maintain a sense of professionalism, making it a valuable tool in writing for specific purposes or audiences.