How does increasing the distance between the x-ray tube and the patient affect radiation exposure?

Increasing the distance between the x-ray tube and the patient decreases radiation exposure. This principle is derived from the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. As the distance doubles, the exposure to the radiation decreases to a quarter of what it was at the shorter distance. This effect is crucial for minimizing radiation doses to patients and is a fundamental concept in radiologic science. Ensuring that the distance is maximized during x-ray procedures effectively reduces the amount of radiation that reaches the patient, thereby enhancing safety while still achieving diagnostic image quality.