What effect does increasing distance between the radiation source and patient usually have?

Increasing the distance between the radiation source and the patient typically decreases the patient dose. This principle is grounded in the inverse square law of radiation, which states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. As the distance increases, the radiation intensity diminishes rapidly, resulting in lower exposure for the patient. This is crucial in medical imaging and radiological procedures, as implementing appropriate distance can markedly reduce the amount of radiation the patient receives, thereby minimizing potential harm and enhancing safety during diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.