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Inverse Square Law

Environmental Engineering · FE Reference Handbook section

Environmental Engineering
2 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~49 min
All Environmental Engineering lectures

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Inverse Square Law — solve for intensity at distance 2 — Inverse Square Law

inverse square law applied to radiation intensity from a point source Given intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 329.0 mR/hr; distance 1 (d_1) = 3.1000 m; distance 2 (d_2) = 11.6000 m, determine the intensity at distance 2 (I_2) in mR/hr.

Given

  • intensityatdistance1(I1)=329.0mR/hrintensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 329.0 mR/hr
  • distance1(d1)=3.1000mdistance 1 (d_1) = 3.1000 m
  • distance2(d2)=11.6000mdistance 2 (d_2) = 11.6000 m

Find

intensity at distance 2 (I_2), in mR/hr

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Inverse Square Law.
  • Everything except I_2 is given, so isolate I_2 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The inverse square law for radiation intensity relates source intensity to distance from a point radioactive source.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for I_2:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_{2} = I_1\left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 329.0 mR/hr, distance 1 (d_1) = 3.1000 m, distance 2 (d_2) = 11.6000 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_{2} = I_1\left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    I2=23.4965 mR/hrI_{2} = 23.4965\ \text{mR/hr}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning I_2 = 23.4965 mR/hr to

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
I2=23.4965 mR/hrI_{2} = 23.4965\ \text{mR/hr}

Why the other options are there

  • 46.9930 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 11.7483 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 25.8462 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Inverse Square Law

Example 2
Inverse Square Law — solve for intensity at distance 1 — Inverse Square Law (2)

inverse square law used to set a safe worker distance from a radioactive source Given distance 1 (d_1) = 2.7000 m; distance 2 (d_2) = 17.0000 m; intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 324.6 mR/hr, determine the intensity at distance 1 (I_1) in mR/hr.

Given

  • distance1(d1)=2.7000mdistance 1 (d_1) = 2.7000 m
  • distance2(d2)=17.0000mdistance 2 (d_2) = 17.0000 m
  • intensityatdistance2(I2)=324.6mR/hrintensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 324.6 mR/hr

Find

intensity at distance 1 (I_1), in mR/hr

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Inverse Square Law.
  • Everything except I_1 is given, so isolate I_1 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The inverse square law for radiation intensity relates source intensity to distance from a point radioactive source.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for I_1:

    I1=I2(d2d1)2I_{1} = I_2\left(\dfrac{d_2}{d_1}\right)^2
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: distance 1 (d_1) = 2.7000 m, distance 2 (d_2) = 17.0000 m, intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 324.6 mR/hr.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    I1=I2(d2d1)2I_{1} = I_2\left(\dfrac{d_2}{d_1}\right)^2
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    I1=12868 mR/hrI_{1} = 12868\ \text{mR/hr}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning I_1 = 12,868 mR/hr to

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
I1=12868 mR/hrI_{1} = 12868\ \text{mR/hr}

Why the other options are there

  • 25,735 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 6,434 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 14,154 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Inverse Square Law

Example 3
Inverse Square Law — solve for distance 2 — Inverse Square Law (3)

radiation shielding distance calculated with the inverse square law Given intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 764.0 mR/hr; distance 1 (d_1) = 1.0000 m; intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 333.9 mR/hr, determine the distance 2 (d_2) in m.

Given

  • intensityatdistance1(I1)=764.0mR/hrintensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 764.0 mR/hr
  • distance1(d1)=1.0000mdistance 1 (d_1) = 1.0000 m
  • intensityatdistance2(I2)=333.9mR/hrintensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 333.9 mR/hr

Find

distance 2 (d_2), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Inverse Square Law.
  • Everything except d_2 is given, so isolate d_2 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The inverse square law for radiation intensity relates source intensity to distance from a point radioactive source.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for d_2:

    d2=d1I1I2d_{2} = d_1\sqrt{\dfrac{I_1}{I_2}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 764.0 mR/hr, distance 1 (d_1) = 1.0000 m, intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 333.9 mR/hr.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    d2=d1I1I2d_{2} = d_1\sqrt{\dfrac{I_1}{I_2}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    d2=1.5126 md_{2} = 1.5126\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning d_2 = 1.5126 m to

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
d2=1.5126 md_{2} = 1.5126\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 3.0253 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.7563 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.6639 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Inverse Square Law

Example 4
Inverse Square Law — solve for intensity at distance 2 (case 2) — Inverse Square Law (4)

inverse square law applied to radiation intensity from a point source Given intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 411.0 mR/hr; distance 1 (d_1) = 3.6000 m; distance 2 (d_2) = 1.1000 m, determine the intensity at distance 2 (I_2) in mR/hr.

Given

  • intensityatdistance1(I1)=411.0mR/hrintensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 411.0 mR/hr
  • distance1(d1)=3.6000mdistance 1 (d_1) = 3.6000 m
  • distance2(d2)=1.1000mdistance 2 (d_2) = 1.1000 m

Find

intensity at distance 2 (I_2), in mR/hr

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Inverse Square Law.
  • Everything except I_2 is given, so isolate I_2 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The inverse square law for radiation intensity relates source intensity to distance from a point radioactive source.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for I_2:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_{2} = I_1\left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 411.0 mR/hr, distance 1 (d_1) = 3.6000 m, distance 2 (d_2) = 1.1000 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_{2} = I_1\left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    I2=4402 mR/hrI_{2} = 4402\ \text{mR/hr}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning I_2 = 4,402 mR/hr to

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
I2=4402 mR/hrI_{2} = 4402\ \text{mR/hr}

Why the other options are there

  • 8,804 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 2,201 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 4,842 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Inverse Square Law

Example 5
Inverse Square Law — solve for intensity at distance 1 (case 2) — Inverse Square Law (5)

inverse square law used to set a safe worker distance from a radioactive source Given distance 1 (d_1) = 1.9000 m; distance 2 (d_2) = 7.4000 m; intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 505.8 mR/hr, determine the intensity at distance 1 (I_1) in mR/hr.

Given

  • distance1(d1)=1.9000mdistance 1 (d_1) = 1.9000 m
  • distance2(d2)=7.4000mdistance 2 (d_2) = 7.4000 m
  • intensityatdistance2(I2)=505.8mR/hrintensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 505.8 mR/hr

Find

intensity at distance 1 (I_1), in mR/hr

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Inverse Square Law.
  • Everything except I_1 is given, so isolate I_1 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The inverse square law for radiation intensity relates source intensity to distance from a point radioactive source.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for I_1:

    I1=I2(d2d1)2I_{1} = I_2\left(\dfrac{d_2}{d_1}\right)^2
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: distance 1 (d_1) = 1.9000 m, distance 2 (d_2) = 7.4000 m, intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 505.8 mR/hr.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    I1=I2(d2d1)2I_{1} = I_2\left(\dfrac{d_2}{d_1}\right)^2
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    I1=7673 mR/hrI_{1} = 7673\ \text{mR/hr}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning I_1 = 7,673 mR/hr to

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
I1=7673 mR/hrI_{1} = 7673\ \text{mR/hr}

Why the other options are there

  • 15,345 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 3,836 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 8,440 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Inverse Square Law

Example 6
Inverse Square Law — solve for distance 2 (case 2) — Inverse Square Law (6)

radiation shielding distance calculated with the inverse square law Given intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 922.0 mR/hr; distance 1 (d_1) = 0.8000 m; intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 83.7050 mR/hr, determine the distance 2 (d_2) in m.

Given

  • intensityatdistance1(I1)=922.0mR/hrintensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 922.0 mR/hr
  • distance1(d1)=0.8000mdistance 1 (d_1) = 0.8000 m
  • intensityatdistance2(I2)=83.7050mR/hrintensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 83.7050 mR/hr

Find

distance 2 (d_2), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Inverse Square Law.
  • Everything except d_2 is given, so isolate d_2 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The inverse square law for radiation intensity relates source intensity to distance from a point radioactive source.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for d_2:

    d2=d1I1I2d_{2} = d_1\sqrt{\dfrac{I_1}{I_2}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 922.0 mR/hr, distance 1 (d_1) = 0.8000 m, intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 83.7050 mR/hr.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    d2=d1I1I2d_{2} = d_1\sqrt{\dfrac{I_1}{I_2}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    d2=2.6551 md_{2} = 2.6551\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning d_2 = 2.6551 m to

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
d2=2.6551 md_{2} = 2.6551\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 5.3102 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 1.3275 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 2.9206 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Inverse Square Law

Example 7
Inverse Square Law — solve for intensity at distance 2 (case 3) — Inverse Square Law (7)

inverse square law applied to radiation intensity from a point source Given intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 745.0 mR/hr; distance 1 (d_1) = 1.1000 m; distance 2 (d_2) = 14.9000 m, determine the intensity at distance 2 (I_2) in mR/hr.

Given

  • intensityatdistance1(I1)=745.0mR/hrintensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 745.0 mR/hr
  • distance1(d1)=1.1000mdistance 1 (d_1) = 1.1000 m
  • distance2(d2)=14.9000mdistance 2 (d_2) = 14.9000 m

Find

intensity at distance 2 (I_2), in mR/hr

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Inverse Square Law.
  • Everything except I_2 is given, so isolate I_2 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The inverse square law for radiation intensity relates source intensity to distance from a point radioactive source.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for I_2:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_{2} = I_1\left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 745.0 mR/hr, distance 1 (d_1) = 1.1000 m, distance 2 (d_2) = 14.9000 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_{2} = I_1\left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    I2=4.0604 mR/hrI_{2} = 4.0604\ \text{mR/hr}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning I_2 = 4.0604 mR/hr to

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
I2=4.0604 mR/hrI_{2} = 4.0604\ \text{mR/hr}

Why the other options are there

  • 8.1208 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 2.0302 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 4.4664 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Inverse Square Law

Example 8
Inverse Square Law — solve for intensity at distance 1 (case 3) — Inverse Square Law (8)

inverse square law used to set a safe worker distance from a radioactive source Given distance 1 (d_1) = 2.0000 m; distance 2 (d_2) = 14.6000 m; intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 360.7 mR/hr, determine the intensity at distance 1 (I_1) in mR/hr.

Given

  • distance1(d1)=2.0000mdistance 1 (d_1) = 2.0000 m
  • distance2(d2)=14.6000mdistance 2 (d_2) = 14.6000 m
  • intensityatdistance2(I2)=360.7mR/hrintensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 360.7 mR/hr

Find

intensity at distance 1 (I_1), in mR/hr

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Inverse Square Law.
  • Everything except I_1 is given, so isolate I_1 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The inverse square law for radiation intensity relates source intensity to distance from a point radioactive source.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for I_1:

    I1=I2(d2d1)2I_{1} = I_2\left(\dfrac{d_2}{d_1}\right)^2
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: distance 1 (d_1) = 2.0000 m, distance 2 (d_2) = 14.6000 m, intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 360.7 mR/hr.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    I1=I2(d2d1)2I_{1} = I_2\left(\dfrac{d_2}{d_1}\right)^2
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    I1=19220 mR/hrI_{1} = 19220\ \text{mR/hr}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning I_1 = 19,220 mR/hr to

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
I1=19220 mR/hrI_{1} = 19220\ \text{mR/hr}

Why the other options are there

  • 38,440 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 9,610 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 21,142 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Inverse Square Law

Example 9
Inverse Square Law — solve for distance 2 (case 3) — Inverse Square Law (9)

radiation shielding distance calculated with the inverse square law Given intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 402.0 mR/hr; distance 1 (d_1) = 4.5000 m; intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 305.2 mR/hr, determine the distance 2 (d_2) in m.

Given

  • intensityatdistance1(I1)=402.0mR/hrintensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 402.0 mR/hr
  • distance1(d1)=4.5000mdistance 1 (d_1) = 4.5000 m
  • intensityatdistance2(I2)=305.2mR/hrintensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 305.2 mR/hr

Find

distance 2 (d_2), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Inverse Square Law.
  • Everything except d_2 is given, so isolate d_2 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The inverse square law for radiation intensity relates source intensity to distance from a point radioactive source.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for d_2:

    d2=d1I1I2d_{2} = d_1\sqrt{\dfrac{I_1}{I_2}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 402.0 mR/hr, distance 1 (d_1) = 4.5000 m, intensity at distance 2 (I_2) = 305.2 mR/hr.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    d2=d1I1I2d_{2} = d_1\sqrt{\dfrac{I_1}{I_2}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    d2=5.1644 md_{2} = 5.1644\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning d_2 = 5.1644 m to

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
d2=5.1644 md_{2} = 5.1644\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 10.3287 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 2.5822 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 5.6808 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Inverse Square Law

Example 10
Inverse Square Law — solve for intensity at distance 2 (case 4) — Inverse Square Law (10)

inverse square law applied to radiation intensity from a point source Given intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 957.0 mR/hr; distance 1 (d_1) = 3.7000 m; distance 2 (d_2) = 19.5000 m, determine the intensity at distance 2 (I_2) in mR/hr.

Given

  • intensityatdistance1(I1)=957.0mR/hrintensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 957.0 mR/hr
  • distance1(d1)=3.7000mdistance 1 (d_1) = 3.7000 m
  • distance2(d2)=19.5000mdistance 2 (d_2) = 19.5000 m

Find

intensity at distance 2 (I_2), in mR/hr

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Inverse Square Law.
  • Everything except I_2 is given, so isolate I_2 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The inverse square law for radiation intensity relates source intensity to distance from a point radioactive source.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for I_2:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_{2} = I_1\left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: intensity at distance 1 (I_1) = 957.0 mR/hr, distance 1 (d_1) = 3.7000 m, distance 2 (d_2) = 19.5000 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_{2} = I_1\left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    I2=34.4545 mR/hrI_{2} = 34.4545\ \text{mR/hr}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning I_2 = 34.4545 mR/hr to

    I2=I1(d1d2)2I_2 = I_1 \left(\dfrac{d_1}{d_2}\right)^2

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
I2=34.4545 mR/hrI_{2} = 34.4545\ \text{mR/hr}

Why the other options are there

  • 68.9090 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 17.2273 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 37.9000 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Inverse Square Law

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