Inverse Square Law - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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The Inverse Square Law is a scientific rule that helps us understand how certain things get weaker as we move away from them. In biology, this law often applies to things like light or sound. According to the Inverse Square Law, if you double the distance from a source of light, the brightness becomes four times weaker. This is because the light spreads out over a larger area. Imagine a torch shining on a wall: as you walk further from the wall, the circle of light gets bigger and dimmer. This concept is important in biology because it explains how light affects plants and animals at different distances.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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