If personnel double their distance from the radiation source, how does the scatter radiation exposure rate change?

When personnel double their distance from the radiation source, the exposure to scatter radiation decreases significantly due to the inverse square law. This law states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. Therefore, if the distance is doubled, the exposure decreases by a factor of the square of 2, which is 4.

This principle highlights the importance of maintaining distance as a protective measure in radiological practices, as increasing distance from the source effectively reduces the amount of radiation exposure personnel receive. Consequently, when properly applied, this understanding reinforces safety protocols for those working in environments where scatter radiation is present.