If you double your distance from the source, the intensity will be decreased by a factor of?

The correct answer is based on the principles of 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 that source. According to this principle, when you double the distance from a radiation source, the intensity of radiation is reduced to one-fourth of its original value.

To put this into context, if the original intensity at a certain distance is measured as I, then at double the distance (2d), the intensity will be calculated as:

Intensity at 2d = I / (2^2) = I / 4.

This shows that by increasing the distance from the source, the exposure to radiation decreases significantly, hence the factor of reduction is 4. This foundational concept is crucial for ensuring safety in environments where radiation sources are present, making it essential knowledge for professionals in industrial radiography and radiation safety.