As the distance from a magnetic source increases, the strength of the magnetic field decreases. This relationship is often explained through the inverse square law.
Specifically, the magnetic field strength decreases in proportion to the square of the distance from the magnet. For example, if you double the distance from the magnet, the magnetic field strength will be one-fourth of what it was at the original distance. Similarly, if you triple the distance, the field strength becomes one-ninth, and so on.
This decrease in strength occurs because the magnetic field lines spread out over a larger area as you move away from the source. The force exerted by the magnetic field diminishes, leading to a weaker effect on nearby objects.
In practical terms, this means that magnets are strongest at close range, and their influence becomes much weaker as you move away. Understanding this principle is crucial, especially in applications involving magnetic fields, such as in motors, transformers, and magnetic sensors.