What effect does distance have on radiation dose?

Distance plays a critical role in determining radiation dose due to the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation from a point source decreases with the square of the distance from the source. This means that as you increase your distance from a radiation source, the amount of radiation exposure decreases significantly.

For instance, if you double your distance from the source, the radiation dose you receive is reduced to a quarter of what it was at the original distance. By moving farther away from the source, individuals experience a corresponding decrease in radiation dose, making it a key factor in radiation safety protocols. This principle is fundamental in various practices, such as medical imaging and radiation therapy, as well as in the context of occupational safety for radiation workers.

In contrast, if someone is closer to a radiation source, the dose received will be higher due to the closer proximity, which aligns with the option discussing increased radiation dose with closer proximity. Other options that suggest distance has negligible effects or that the dose remains constant do not align with the established scientific principles governing radiation exposure.