As the distance from a source of radiation to the patient doubles, the intensity of the exposure will:

The correct response is based on the inverse square law, which describes how the intensity of radiation changes with distance. This law states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.

When the distance from the source of radiation to the patient is doubled, the intensity of exposure decreases by a factor of four. This is calculated by taking the original intensity and dividing it by the square of the new distance (2 squared equals 4). Therefore, if the distance is doubled, the intensity is reduced to one-fourth of its original value, leading to a decrease in exposure.

This principle is essential in radiation safety practices to ensure proper distance is maintained to minimize unnecessary exposure to both patients and healthcare workers. Understanding this relationship helps in making informed decisions about safety protocols when working with radiation sources.