Which combination reduces radiation exposure effectively?

The combination of time, distance, and shielding is essential in radiation safety to effectively reduce exposure to radiation.

Time is a critical factor because the less time a person spends near a radiation source, the lower the cumulative dose of radiation they will receive. This principle emphasizes that limiting the duration of exposure directly decreases the risk associated with radiation.

Distance plays a vital role as well, following the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation decreases significantly with increased distance from the source. Being further away from the radiation source substantially reduces the amount of radiation that reaches an individual, thereby enhancing safety.

Shielding involves using materials that can absorb or block radiation. Common shielding materials, such as lead for gamma and x-rays or concrete for neutron radiation, effectively reduce the intensity of radiation that penetrates barriers, thus protecting those nearby.

This combination of strategies—minimizing time spent near the source, maximizing distance from it, and using appropriate shielding materials—creates a strong approach to radiation safety, ensuring that exposure is kept as low as reasonably achievable. Other combinations may involve factors that do not offer the same level of protection or focus on different aspects of safety that do not directly address reducing exposure effectively.