What is an effect of increasing the distance from an X-ray source on radiation dose?

Increasing the distance from an X-ray source decreases the radiation dose received. This principle is grounded in the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation from a point source is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. As the distance doubles, the intensity of radiation is reduced to a quarter of its original value.

This means that if you move further away from the X-ray source, the exposure to radiation diminishes significantly. This is an important safety consideration in radiography and radiation protection since minimizing exposure to radiation is crucial for both operators and patients. Understanding this relationship helps in implementing effective safety practices in radiographic procedures, ensuring that the dose is as low as reasonably achievable while still obtaining the necessary diagnostic information.