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How far should you stand away from the source?

  1. 3 feet

  2. 4 feet

  3. 5 feet

  4. 6 feet

The correct answer is: 6 feet

Standing a safe distance away from the source of radiation is crucial for minimizing exposure to harmful effects. A distance of 6 feet is considered a practical guideline based on the principles of radiation safety, particularly the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source. This rule effectively means that as you double the distance from the radiation source, the exposure to radiation drops to a quarter of its original amount. In various clinical scenarios or guided protocols for radiology practice, maintaining a distance of 6 feet serves as a generally recommended standard to ensure safety. This distance helps safeguard both the healthcare personnel and patients from unnecessary radiation exposure.