How does the distance affect radiation intensity according to the inverse square law?

The inverse square law states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source of that radiation. This means that as the distance from the source increases, the intensity of the radiation decreases significantly. Specifically, if you double the distance from the source, the intensity of radiation does not just halve; it actually decreases to one-fourth of its original intensity. This principle is critical in radiologic technology and medical imaging, as it affects how radiation exposure is managed both for patients and healthcare professionals. Understanding this law helps in ensuring adequate protection from unnecessary radiation while also ensuring the necessary intensity for imaging or treatment purposes.