What principle explains the reduction of radiation exposure as distance increases?

The reduction of radiation exposure as distance increases is explained by the inverse square law. This principle states that the intensity of radiation decreases proportionally to the square of the distance from the source. In practical terms, if you double the distance from a radiation source, the intensity of radiation exposure is reduced to a quarter of its original value. This relationship arises because as you move further away from a point source of radiation, the same amount of radiation is spread over a larger area, leading to a decrease in exposure levels.

Understanding the inverse square law is crucial in radiation safety and protection. It underscores the importance of maintaining distance from radiation sources to minimize exposure, which is a fundamental practice in various fields such as medical imaging, radiology, and nuclear energy.