Inverse Square Law, General Any point source which spreads its influence equally in all directions without a limit to its range will obey the inverse square law. This comes from strictly geometrical considerations. The intensity of the influence at any given radius r is the source strength divided by the area of the sphere. Being strictly geometric in its origin, the inverse square law applies to diverse phenomena. Point sources of gravitational force, electric field, light, sound or radiation obey the inverse square law. It is a subject of continuing debate with a source such as a skunk on top of a flag pole; will it's smell drop off according to the inverse square law? Applications of the inverse square law: Gravity Electric field Light Sound Radiation

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HyperPhysics***** Mechanics R Nave

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Inverse Square Law, Gravity As one of the fields which obey the general inverse square law, the gravity field can be put in the form shown below, showing that the acceleration of gravity, g, is an expression of the intensity of the gravity field. Other applications of the inverse square law Electric field Light Sound Radiation	Index Gravity concepts
HyperPhysics***** Mechanics R Nave	Go Back

Inverse Square Law, Electric As one of the fields which obey the general inverse square law, the electric field of a point charge can be put in the form shown below where point charge Q is the source of the field. The electric force in Coulomb's law follows the inverse square law. Other applications of the inverse square law Gravity Light Sound Radiation	Index Gravity concepts
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Inverse Square Law, Radiation As one of the fields which obey the general inverse square law, a point radiation source can be characterized by the relationship below whether you are talking about Roentgens , rads, or rems . All measures of exposure will drop off by inverse square law. Other applications of the inverse square law Gravity Light Sound Electric	Index Gravity concepts
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