1. What is the Inverse Square Law?

The Inverse Square Law describes how radiation intensity decreases with distance from the source. It states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Inverse Square Law formula:

Where:

• \( \text{dose} \) — Calculated radiation dose
• \( \text{dose0} \) — Reference dose at reference distance
• \( r0 \) — Reference distance from source
• \( r \) — New distance from source

Explanation: The equation shows that doubling the distance from the source reduces the radiation dose to one quarter of its original value.

3. Importance of Radiation Dose Calculation

Details: Accurate radiation dose calculation is crucial for radiation safety, shielding design, and determining safe working distances in radiography, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the reference dose (dose0), reference distance (r0), and the new distance (r). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does radiation follow the inverse square law?
A: Because radiation spreads out uniformly in all directions from a point source, covering an area that increases with the square of the distance.

Q2: When doesn't the inverse square law apply?
A: It doesn't apply perfectly for extended sources, in scattering media, or at very short distances where the source can't be considered a point.

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's accurate for point sources in air without significant scattering or absorption between the source and measurement point.

Q4: What units should I use?
A: The units for dose0 and dose should match, and distances should be in the same units (typically meters).

Q5: Can this be used for other types of radiation?
A: Yes, it applies to all types of electromagnetic radiation and particle radiation in the appropriate conditions.