By increasing the distance from a point source of radiation by a factor of three, how will the exposure rate change?

When considering the effect of distance on the exposure rate from a point source of radiation, it's important to apply the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. This means that if the distance from the source is increased, the intensity or exposure rate decreases significantly.

In this case, when the distance from the source is increased by a factor of three, the exposure rate decreases by a factor of the square of that increase in distance. Specifically, if the distance is tripled, the exposure rate will decrease by (3^2), which equals 9. Therefore, the exposure rate will decrease by a factor of 9 when the distance from the radiation source is increased by three times.

Understanding this principle is crucial in medical dosimetry, as it helps professionals calculate safe exposure levels and manage radiation doses effectively. By applying the inverse square law, practitioners can ensure that they are minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure to themselves and the patient.