Radiologic Technologist Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Certification!

The "inverse square law" is a fundamental principle concerning how radiation intensity diminishes as it moves away from its source. Specifically, this law states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. This means that as you double the distance from the radiation source, the intensity of the radiation becomes one-fourth of its original intensity.

For example, if a source emits radiation, and you move twice as far away from it, the intensity of the radiation will decrease by a factor of 4 (1/2^2), demonstrating the inverse relationship. This principle is critical in radiologic technology, as it directly impacts dosimetry, radiation protection, and the assessment of exposure in both diagnostic and therapeutic settings.

The other options misunderstand the nature of the relationship between distance and intensity. Some suggest a direct or linear relationship, which does not accurately reflect how radiation disperses in three-dimensional space.