How does increasing the distance from the radiation source affect patient exposure?

Increasing the distance from a radiation source significantly reduces patient exposure due to the inverse square law. This principle states that the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source. As the distance doubles, the radiation exposure is reduced to one-fourth of the original intensity. This means that maintaining or increasing distance during radiation procedures is a vital practice in minimizing the exposure to the patient, as the further away the patient is from the source, the less radiation they receive.

This effect highlights the importance of positioning in medical imaging and radiation therapy, as healthcare providers can strategically increase the distance to safeguard patient health while still obtaining necessary diagnostic images or treatment. Utilizing this knowledge can lead to more effective radiation safety protocols.