What is a simple way to limit exposure to gamma rays?

Increasing distance from a gamma ray source is an effective way to limit exposure due to the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source. This means that as you move further away from the source of gamma rays, the intensity of the radiation you encounter decreases significantly. For instance, if you double your distance from the source, the radiation intensity falls to one-quarter of what it was at the original distance. This principle is crucial in radiation safety and is widely used in various practical scenarios, such as when working with radioactive materials or during medical treatments involving radiation.

While using water barriers can also attenuate gamma rays, it is often not as practical as simply increasing distance, especially in everyday situations. The other options, such as limiting sunlight exposure or wearing dark clothes, do not effectively address the issue of gamma ray exposure, as they are unrelated to the properties of gamma radiation. Gamma rays can penetrate materials easily, requiring specific shielding rather than clothing or avoidance strategies that apply to other types of radiation or environmental exposure.