What effect does increasing the distance from the film have on the x-ray result?

Increasing the distance from the film during an x-ray procedure results in a lighter film result. This phenomenon occurs because the intensity of the x-ray beam diminishes as the distance from the source increases, according to the inverse square law. As the x-rays spread out over a larger area with increased distance, fewer x-ray photons reach the film or detector. Consequently, the film or digital receptor receives less exposure, leading to a lighter appearance on the resulting image.

This principle is critical in radiography because understanding the relationship between distance and exposure helps radiologic technologists optimize imaging techniques to achieve the best possible image quality while minimizing patient exposure.