Which law governs the inverse relationship between the intensity of radiation and distance?

Question

Question

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Inverse square law

Rationale:

The inverse square law states that the intensity of radiation or any other point source energy diminishes inversely with the square of the distance from the source. This means that as the distance from the source increases, the intensity decreases exponentially.
Mathematically, it can be expressed as I ∝ 1/d², where I represents intensity and d represents distance.
This law is crucial in fields such as physics, astronomy, and radiology, where understanding the distribution and intensity of radiation or light is essential.

Explanation of Other Options:

Law of Refraction

Rationale: The law of refraction, also known as Snell's law, describes the change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another. This is not related to the inverse relationship between radiation intensity and distance.
It states that the ratio of the sines of the angles of incidence and refraction is constant and is equivalent to the ratio of the refractive indices of the two media.

Planck’s Law

Rationale: Planck’s law deals with the quantum theory and describes the spectral density of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a black body in thermal equilibrium at a given temperature. It does not address the relationship between intensity and distance.
It is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics and explains the distribution of radiation in terms of wavelength and temperature.

Faraday’s Law

Rationale: Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction states that a change in magnetic field within a closed loop induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the wire. This law is not concerned with the intensity and distance relationship of radiation.
It is a cornerstone in the study of electromagnetism and has applications in the design of electrical devices such as transformers and inductors.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, the inverse square law is the principle that correctly describes the inverse relationship between the intensity of radiation and distance. This law is fundamental in understanding how energy from a point source spreads out as it travels through space.