Final answer:
The minimum source-to-skin distance in radiology must be not less than 12 inches to ensure patient safety by minimizing potential radiation exposure and to comply with safety regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Source-to-Skin Distance in Radiology
In radiology, particularly in the context of x-ray imaging, it's crucial to maintain a safe and effective source-to-skin distance (SSD). The source-to-skin distance refers to the minimum distance between the x-ray tube source and the patient's skin. This distance is important for ensuring patient safety by minimizing skin exposure to intense x-rays, which could potentially cause burns or contribute to radiation-induced injuries. Regulations commonly specify that the fixed SSD must be not less than 12 inches to ensure a safe level of radiation exposure during routine imaging procedures. Having a minimum distance also helps with reducing the intensity of the radiation due to the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation decreases exponentially with the increase in distance from the source.
Therefore, in the context of this question, the correct answer is: (b) 12 inches.