What is the primary method for protecting individuals from radiation exposure?

The primary method for protecting individuals from radiation exposure is increasing distance. The principle of distance is based on the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from its source. By increasing the distance between the individual and the radiation source, the exposure to radiation can be significantly reduced.

For example, if you double the distance from a radiation source, the exposure is cut to a quarter of what it would be at the original distance. This principle is fundamental in practices that involve working with or around radioactive materials or radiation-generating equipment, as it provides a practical and effective means of minimizing exposure.

In contrast, maximizing exposure time, decreasing shielding, and limiting frequency do not effectively reduce radiation exposure. In fact, increasing exposure time would lead to greater exposure. Decreasing shielding would reduce the protection provided against radiation, and limiting frequency does not directly pertain to the distance from the radiation source, which is a critical factor in exposure control. Thus, increasing distance remains the most effective and primary method for protecting individuals from radiation exposure.