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WorksheetsFILM PROCESSING (CHEMICALS ONLY) ADUCHE
Total questions: 163
Worksheet time: 1hrs 22mins
Which of the following BEST describes manual film processing?
Films are automatically transported through chemicals by a roller system
Exposed x-ray films are placed flat on a table and sprayed with developer.
Exposed x-ray films are suspended on hangers and immersed in developer for a set time to produce the visible image.
Films are exposed to white light before immersion to activate the latent image.
What is the first step in the film processing sequence?
Fixing
Washing
Wetting
Developing
What is the main purpose of the wetting stage in manual processing?
Reduce film fog
Swell the emulsion for chemical penetration
Harden the gelatin layer
Remove unexposed silver halides
How long is the wetting step in manual processing?
5 s
10 s
15 s
30 s
In automatic processing, the wetting step is:
Omitted completely
Performed after fixing
Included as part of the developing stage
Extended to 1 minute
What is the primary purpose of the developing stage in film processing?
To harden the gelatin layer
To wash away unexposed silver halides
To remove the gelatin layer altogether
To convert the latent image into a visible silver image
The visible image is formed when exposed silver bromide crystals are converted into:
Silver iodide
Metallic silver
Potassium bromide
Fixing salt
During developing, the film is immersed in what type of solution?
Acidic
Neutral
Alkaline
Saline
What happens to the gelatin layer during the developing process?
It hardens and contracts
It dissolves completely
It softens and swells
It is replaced by fixer
What is the role of the reducing agents in the developer solution?
Harden the gelatin
Transform silver ions into black metallic silver
Remove unexposed crystals
Neutralize acids from fixer
During the developing stage, what happens to the unexposed silver bromide crystals?
They are converted into metallic silver
They are washed away immediately
They remain unaffected during the development period
They harden and bond to the gelatin permanently
What is the typical developing time in manual film processing?
15 s
1 min
3 mins
5 mins
In automatic film processing, how long does the developing stage usually take?
10 s
22 s
1 min
3 mins
Why are only exposed silver bromide crystals converted during development?
Because they are chemically softer
Because only exposed crystals undergo ionization and reduction
Because fixer controls the reactio
Because gelatin blocks unexposed crystals
What effect does development time have on the amount of silver deposited on a radiograph?
No effect at all
It directly affects the amount of silver deposited
It only affects unexposed crystals
It only affects the gelatin layer
What happens to silver deposition as development time increases (up to a certain limit)?
It decreases
It stays the same
It increases
It stops after 5 s
If development time is shortened, what happens to the amount of metallic silver formed?
It increases
It decreases
It remains unchanged
It turns white
The time needed to adequately develop a film depends on:
The size of the darkroom
The type and thickness of the emulsion
The fixer solution strength
The drying temperature
Up to what point does increasing development time increase silver deposition?
Indefinitely
Only until the exposed crystals are fully reduced
Only after fixing
Only when the film is dried
What is the relationship between temperature and chemical reactions during film processing?
Temperature has no effect on chemical reactions
Temperature only affects the fixer, not the developer
Temperature can either speed up or slow down chemical reactions
Temperature only affects drying, not developing
Why is temperature considered important in the development stage of film processing?
It determines how long the film can be stored
It controls the hardness of the film base
It influences the rate of chemical reactions during processing
It affects only the washing stage
Film processing is primarily what type of process?
Electrical
Mechanical
Chemical
Optical
What happens to chemical reactions when the temperature increases during development?
They stop completely
They slow down
They speed up
They reverse
If the temperature of processing solutions is too low, what is the likely result?
Overdevelopment
Faster drying
Slower chemical reaction
Instant fixing
Why must development time be adjusted when solution temperature changes?
To change film speed
To maintain uniform image density
To prevent screen blur
To shorten drying time
What is essential to accurately determine solution temperature during processing?
Timer
Safelight filter
Thermometer
Agitator
What is the optimal temperature for processing solutions to produce best quality films?
72°F
68°F
60°F
75°F
How can temperature variations be compensated for during development?
By changing fixer strength
By extending drying time
By adjusting development time
By increasing wash temperature
What adjustment is made to development time when the processing temperature is higher than normal?
Time is increased
Time is decreased
Time is unchanged
Time is doubled
A 2°F change in developer temperature affects film density by approximately:
5%
10%
15%
25%
What is a major effect if the developer solution is mixed too weak?
Increased film fog
Underdevelopment and lighter images
Excessive contrast
Rapid drying
Which of the following can cause a weak developer solution?
Excess hardener
Air oxidation and unreplenished use
Overheating of the fixer
Extended washing time
What happens to the dark areas of a radiograph when the developer solution is too weak?
They become overly dense
They fail to fully develop
They turn completely clear
They develop faster than normal
How does weak developer concentration affect image contrast?
Contrast increases significantly
Contrast stays the same
Contrast becomes low due to lack of dark black tones
Contrast becomes too high only in light areas
Which of the following can cause developer solution to become too concentrated?
Excess replenishment
Evaporation of water at high ambient temperatures
Increased fixer strength
Low humidity during drying
What practice can lead to excessive concentration of the developer?
Frequent agitation
Allowing the solution to sit uncovered
Adding extra restrainers
Rinsing with warm water
What happens when the developer solution is too concentrated?
Only exposed crystals are developed
Unexposed silver bromide crystals are also attacked
The film becomes completely clear
The drying stage is eliminated
How does excessive developer concentration affect radiographic contrast?
It increases contrast sharply
It causes white/clear areas to become gray, reducing contrast
It only affects the darkest regions
It produces a completely black film
What term describes the loss of image contrast caused by either dilute or overly concentrated developer solution?
Screen blur
Reticulation
Chemical fog
Film stain
How can a fogged film appear?
Only too dark
Only too light
Either too light or too dark
Always clear
What is the primary purpose of the stop bath in manual film processing?
Harden the emulsion
Begin fixing
Terminate development and remove excess developer
Reduce film drying time
How long is the stop bath step during manual processing?
15 s
22 s
30 s
1 min
In automatic film processing, where is the stop bath step incorporated?
During the washing stage
As a separate tank after developing
Included in the fixing stage
Performed during drying
What is the main purpose of the fixing stage in film processing?
Convert latent image to metallic silver
Harden the film base only
Remove unexposed silver halide and harden the gelatin
Wash away developer chemicals
How long is the fixing step in manual processing?
5 mins
22 s
10 mins
15 mins
What is the typical fixing time in automatic processing?
1 min
30 s
22 s
5 mins
How does temperature affect the speed of fixation?
High temperature slows fixation
Low temperature speeds fixation
High temperature speeds fixation
Temperature has no effect
What can happen to fixer solution when temperatures are too high?
It becomes more diluted
It sulfurizes and its lifespan is shortened
It stops affecting silver halide
It hardens the emulsion excessively
Which of the following factors can influence the duration of fixation?
Film screen speed
Strength and nature of the fixer
Color of the darkroom walls
Type of safelight used
Fixation time may vary depending on all of the following EXCEPT:
Temperature of the fixer
Thickness of the emulsion
Amount of agitation
Film exposure time
Changes in fixer concentration affect the film in the same way as changes in:
Safelight color
Temperature or fixation time
Film emulsion type
Developer replenishment
Which of the following is NOT controlled by the fixation process?
Image contrast
Removal of unexposed silver halides
Hardening of gelatin
Clearing of the emulsion
What is the purpose of the clearing portion of the fixing cycle?
To harden the gelatin only
To remove image noise by stripping unexposed emulsion
To neutralize developer
To reduce drying time
What can happen if the fixer concentration is too high?
The film becomes fogged
The film turns completely clear
The film becomes too brittle and the emulsion may crack
The film cannot be washed
What is the primary role of the fixing stage overall?
Produce contrast
Preserve and protect the permanent image
Increase film speed
Control geometric sharpness
What is the primary purpose of the washing stage in film processing?
Harden the emulsion
Remove excess processing chemicals
Increase contrast
Reactivate developer
How long is the washing step in manual processing?
5 mins
10 mins
20 mins
30 mins
In automatic processing, the washing stage typically lasts:
10 s
20 s
1 min
5 mins
What is the primary purpose of the drying stage in film processing?
Remove fixer residue
Harden the emulsion
Remove water and prepare the radiograph for viewing
Increase optical density
How long does drying take in manual processing?
10 mins
20 mins
26 s
30 mins
What is the typical drying time in automatic processing?
15 s
22 s
26 s
1 min
What agent is used during the wetting step?
Alcohol
Fixer
Developer
Water
In processing chemistry, what is a solvent?
A drying agent
A liquid that dissolves solids and powders
A fixer component
A gelatin hardener
What is considered the universal solvent in film processing?
Acetone
Alcohol
Water
Formaldehyde
What type of chemical reaction occurs in the developer during film processing?
Acid-base reaction
Redox reaction
Precipitation
Polymerization
In a redox reaction during development, what happens during reduction?
Electrons are produced
Electrons are given up by a chemical
Electrons are gained to neutralize positive ions
Ions are removed by washing
What occurs during oxidation in the developer solution?
Film hardening
Electrons are produced/released
Silver halide is reduced to metallic silver
Gelatin swells
What is the primary developing agent in standard radiographic developer solution?
Phenidone
Metol
Hydroquinone
Potassium bromide
Which of the following are considered secondary developing agents?
Hydroquinone only
Phenidone and Metol
Sodium sulfite and Metol
Phenidone and Potassium bromide
What does synergism refer to in film chemistry?
When two agents cancel each other’s effect
When one agent works faster than the other
When the combined action of two agents is greater than the sum of their individual actions
When two agents have no effect on each other
What is the role of Phenidone and Hydroquinone in the developer solution?
Oxidizing agents
Reducing agents
Hardening agents
Preservatives
Which of the following is a characteristic of Phenidone and Hydroquinone?
Produce shades of gray rapidly
Increase film fog
Remove unexposed silver halide
Act as a solvent
Which aspect of the characteristic curve do these developing agents influence?
Dmax only
Toe region, speed, and Dmin
Fixation time
Film thickness
What is the primary function of Hydroquinone in the developer solution?
Oxidizing agent
Reducing agent
Fixer
Preservative
Hydroquinone primarily produces:
Gray tones rapidly
Black tones slowly
White areas
Clear areas
Which aspect of the characteristic curve is mainly controlled by Hydroquinone?
Toe region
Shoulder region
Film speed
Dmin
What image quality does Hydroquinone predominantly influence?
Density only
Contrast
Film fog
Geometrical unsharpness
Which density parameter is associated with Hydroquinone?
Dmin
Dmax
Mid-density
Gamma
Which primary developing agents are used in automatic (PQ) developers?
Metol and Hydroquinone
Phenidone and Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone only
Phenidone and Metol
Which primary developing agents are used in manual (MQ) developers?
Metol and Hydroquinone
Phenidone and Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone only
Metol and Phenidone
What is the key difference between PQ and MQ developers?
PQ is used for manual processing; MQ for automatic
PQ contains Phenidone; MQ contains Metol
PQ produces gray tones; MQ produces black tones
PQ does not use hydroquinone; MQ uses hydroquinone
What is another term for the activator in developer solution?
Buffering agent / Alkalinizer / Accelerator / Wetting agent
Reducing agent
Preservative
Fixing agent
Which chemicals are commonly used as activators in the developer?
Sodium carbonate & Sodium hydroxide
Hydroquinone & Metol
Potassium bromide & Sodium sulfite
Phenidone & Metol
What are the main roles of the activator in film processing?
Remove unexposed silver halide
Swell gelatin, produce alkalinity, and control pH
Hardening the emulsion
Stop oxidation of the developer
Sodium hydroxide, also called Lye, is:
A reducing agent
The strongest alkali used as an activator
A preservative
A restrainer
Which chemicals are commonly used as restrainers in the developer solution?
Sodium carbonate & Sodium hydroxide
Potassium bromide & Potassium iodide
Hydroquinone & Metol
Phenidone & Metol
What is the primary purpose of a restrainer?
Harden the gelatin
Protect unexposed silver halide crystals from chemical attack
Reduce development time
Produce black tones rapidly
How does a restrainer function in film processing?
Acts as a strong alkali
Controls the activity of reducing agents and prevents development fog
Reduces Dmax
Stops oxidation in fixer
Which term describes the first portion of restrainer action to reduce developer activity?
Preservative
Starter solution
Buffer
Accelerator
What is the role of Benzothiosole in PQ (automatic) developers?
Acts as the primary developing agent
Prevents the action of Phenidone on unexposed crystals
Hardens the gelatin
Controls pH
Which chemical is commonly used as a preservative in the developer solution?
Sodium hydroxide
Sodium sulfite
Potassium bromide
Hydroquinone
What is the main purpose of a preservative in developer chemistry?
Reduce Dmax
Prevent rapid oxidation of the reducing agents
Harden the gelatin
Stop fixation
How does sodium sulfite interact with hydroquinone by-products?
Produces black metallic silver
Reacts with quinone to form a colorless compound called hydroquinone monosulfate
Increases film fog
Controls the toe of the characteristic curve
What additional function does a preservative serve in the developer solution?
Acts as a restrainer
Stabilizer to promote equilibrium among chemicals
Accelerates film drying
Softens the gelatin
What is aerial oxidation in film developer solutions?
Oxidation caused by high temperature
Oxidation that occurs when air is introduced after mixing, handling, or storage
Oxidation during the fixing stage
Reduction of hydroquinone
Which component of the developer is most sensitive to aerial oxidation?
Phenidone
Hydroquinone
Metol
Potassium bromide
What is a visible sign that a developer has been oxidized?
Clear solution
Grayish color
Brownish solution
White precipitate
How can aerial oxidation be minimized in the developer solution?
By adding more hydroquinone
By using a floating, close-fitting lid
By increasing developer temperature
By reducing washing time
What is the typical color of a fresh developer solution?
Clear
Brownish
Rusty red
Yellow
Which chemicals are commonly used as hardeners (tanning agents) in developer solutions?
Sodium sulfite
Glutaraldehyde / Dialdehyde
Hydroquinone
Potassium bromide
What is the primary purpose of adding a hardener to the developer?
Reduce development time
Control emulsion swelling and enhance archival quality
Increase film speed
Prevent oxidation of hydroquinone
In which processing method is the hardener mainly used?
Manual processing
Automatic processing only
Both manual and automatic
Fixer only
What additional benefits does a hardener provide in developer solutions?
Reduces film transportation problems and prevents emulsion damage
Increases Dmax
Produces black tones rapidly
Acts as a restrainer
How does the developer solution itself act regarding hardening?
Strong permanent hardener
Weak / temporary hardener
No effect on emulsion
Causes emulsion to crack
Which developer component can Benzothiosulfate specifically control?
Hydroquinone
Metol
Phenidone
Sodium sulfite
Which hardener is considered the stronger hardener in developer solutions?
Dialdehyde
Glutaraldehyde
Hydroquinone
Potassium bromide
Which hardener is considered weaker compared to the other?
Dialdehyde
Glutaraldehyde
Hydroquinone
Potassium bromide
The usual cause of films exiting the processor damp with soft, moist surfaces is:
Excess developer
Depletion of Glutaraldehyde
Excessive hardener
Overexposed film
The condition in which the emulsion hardens prematurely, trapping moisture and preventing chemical reactions, is caused by:
Excess developer
Depletion of Glutaraldehyde
Excessive hardener
Overexposed film
The chemical used to remove metallic impurities and stabilize the developing agent is:
Chelates
Glutaraldehyde
Hydroquinone
Potassium bromide
What happens when the development time is increased?
Film fog decreases
Reduction of silver in each grain increases
Emulsion hardens
Film contrast decreases
What is the effect of increasing the temperature during development?
Film fog decreases
Reduction of silver in each grain increases
Emulsion hardens
Film contrast decreases
How does increasing the concentration of developer affect the reducing agents?
Makes them weaker
Makes them more powerful
Stops reduction
Only affects fixer
Which type of fog is caused by increased developer time, temperature, or concentration?
Development fog
Chemical fog
Radiation fog
Fixer fog
Which type of fog results from chemical contamination of the developer?
Development fog
Chemical fog
Radiation fog
Fixer fog
Which type of fog is caused by unintentional exposure to radiation or improper storage at elevated temperature and humidity?
Development fog
Chemical fog
Radiation fog
Fixer fog
Which of the following is a primary purpose of the fixing (clearing) agent?
Convert latent image to metallic silver
Ensure the image remains permanent (archival quality)
Swell the gelatin for developer penetration
Control film contrast
Other names for the fixer include:
Hydroquinone and Metol
Clearing agent, hypo, and thiosulfate
Sodium hydroxide and carbonate
Reducing agents
What does “archival quality” of a radiograph refer to?
The image develops faster
The image does not deteriorate with age and remains in its original state
The image has higher contrast
The film dries more quickly
Which of the following is a primary function of the fixer?
Neutralize the developer
Swell the gelatin
Reduce silver halide to metallic silver
Increase film contrast
Another key function of the fixer is to:
Harden the emulsion and remove undeveloped silver halide crystals
Produce black tones rapidly
Increase Dmin
Convert latent image to visible image
Modern hypo (fixer) is composed of which chemical that complexes with silver?
Sodium hydroxide
Ammonium thiosulfate
Hydroquinone
Potassium bromide
Which of the following is another name for the activator (fixer) in film processing?
Neutralizer / Acidifier / Buffering Agent
Reducing agent
Fixer
Hardener
What is the primary purpose of the activator (stop bath)?
Harden the emulsion
Neutralize the developer and stop its action
Remove unexposed silver halide
Control film contrast
Which chemical is commonly used as the stop bath?
Sodium hydroxide
Acetic acid
Hydroquinone
Potassium bromide
How does the stop bath enhance the fixing process?
Produces black tones rapidly
Enhances the functioning of the clearing agent
Reduces development time
Increases developer concentration
Which chemical is commonly used as the fixing agent in automatic processing?
Sodium hydroxide
Ammonium thiosulfate
Hydroquinone
Potassium bromide
Which chemical is commonly used as the fixing agent in manual processing?
Sodium thiosulfate
Ammonium thiosulfate
Acetic acid
Hydroquinone
What is the primary purpose of a fixing agent?
Reduce silver halide to metallic silver
Remove undeveloped silver bromide from the emulsion
Control film contrast
Swell the gelatin
Which fixing agent is classically known as “hypo”?
Ammonium thiosulfate
Sodium thiosulfate
Hydroquinone
Potassium bromide
The undesirable retention of fixer in the emulsion is called:
Excess developer in the film
Overexposure to radiation
Excess hardener in developer
Hyporetention / Thiosulfate retention
What is the appearance of a radiograph affected by hyporetention?
Clear and sharp
Brownish
Gray with low contrast
White streaks
What causes the brown stain in hyporetention?
Oxidation of hydroquinone
Combination of fixing agents & silver sulfide
Excessive washing
Increased developer temperature
What is the most common cause of poor archival quality related to hyporetention?
Developer exhaustion
Silver sulfide stain
Overagitation
High developer concentration
Which chemicals are commonly used as hardeners in film processing?
Hydroquinone & Metol
Potassium alum, Aluminum chloride & Chromium alum
Sodium hydroxide & Carbonate
Ammonium thiosulfate & Sodium thiosulfate
Which of the following is a primary purpose of a hardener?
Swell gelatin for developer penetration
Ensure proper film transport and allow rapid & complete drying
Reduce silver halide to metallic silver
Neutralize the developer
Hardeners help prevent which of the following in the film emulsion?
Excessive absorption of water
Formation of black metallic silver
Oxidation of hydroquinone
Increase in developer concentration
What additional effects do hardeners have on the emulsion?
Make the film less susceptible to physical change and stiffen & shrink emulsion
Produce black tones rapidly
Control the toe of the characteristic curve
Increase film speed
Which chemicals are commonly used as preservatives in fixer solutions?
Sodium sulfite / Potassium sulfite
Hydroquinone / Metol
Glutaraldehyde / Dialdehyde
Potassium alum / Aluminum chloride
Other names for a preservative (fixer) include:
Reducing agent
Stabilizer / Cycon / Anti-oxidant
Fixing agent
Hardener
What is the primary purpose of a preservative in fixer solutions?
Control emulsion swelling
Maintain chemical balance and equilibrium
Reduce silver halide to metallic silver
Harden the emulsion
Which of the following functions does a preservative (fixer) perform?
Prevent internal oxidation and aerial oxidation of the fixing agent
Produce black tones rapidly
Swell the gelatin for developer penetration
Control the toe of the characteristic curve
How does a preservative protect the fixing agent?
Removes undeveloped silver halide
Prevents decomposition and precipitation of sulfur from thiosulfate
Reduces Dmax
Neutralizes the developer
Which chemical is commonly used as a buffer in fixer solutions?
Acetate
Hydroquinone
Potassium bromide
Glutaraldehyde
What is the primary purpose of a buffer in the developer solution?
Harden the emulsion
Maintain proper pH
Remove undeveloped silver halide
Produce black tones
Which chemicals are commonly used as sequestering agents in the fixer solution?
Boric acids / salts
Sodium sulfite
Hydroquinone
Glutaraldehyde
What is the primary purpose of a sequestering agent in the fixer?
Remove undeveloped silver halide
Remove aluminum ions, the principal impurity at this stage
Harden the emulsion
Neutralize the developer
Which chemical acts as the solvent in the fixer solution?
Water
Hydroquinone
Boric acid
Sodium sulfite
What is the primary purpose of the solvent in the fixer?
Dissolves other components
Removes undeveloped silver halide
Hardens the emulsion
Neutralizes the developer
What are the two main steps in the archiving process of a radiograph?
Developing and fixing
Washing and drying
Hardening and buffering
Exposing and processing
What is the purpose of archiving a radiograph?
Increase film contrast
Prepare the film for long-term storage, protecting it from chemical deterioration, fading, and physical forces
Reduce Dmax
Swell the gelatin for chemical penetration
What is the recommended moisture content for permanent radiographs to maintain archival quality?
1–5%
10–15%
20–25%
30–35%
What can happen if the radiograph is excessively dried during archiving?
Film fog increases
Emulsion may crack
Film becomes brown
Image contrast decreases
What is the principal action of the washing step in film processing?
Swell the gelatin
Wash away residual chemicals (hypo) from the emulsion
Harden the emulsion
Reduce silver halide to metallic silver
How does washing help in the overall processing?
Controls the stability of developer temperature
Stops the fixing process
Increases Dmax
Enhances black tones
What is the main wash agent used?
Sodium sulfite
Water
Hydroquinone
Boric acid
What is the recommended temperature for the washing step relative to the developer?
3 °C / 5 °F below the developer temperature
Same as developer temperature
5 °C / 10 °F above developer temperature
Room temperature
What is the purpose of maintaining this washing temperature?
Swell the gelatin
Stabilize the developer temperature
Remove the black metallic silver
Harden the emulsion
What is a consequence of inadequate washing?
Overdevelopment of black areas
Excessive hypo retention
Increased Dmax
Increased film speed
How does excessive hypo retention affect archival quality?
Improves contrast
Produces a brown radiograph and poor archival quality
Makes film more flexible
Reduces fog
What is the principal action of the drying step in film processing?
Remove residual fixer while slightly hardening the emulsion
Remove 85%–90% of the moisture so the film can be handled and stored while preserving image quality
Neutralize remaining developer and prevent chemical fog
Swell the gelatin to enhance archival quality
Why is drying important for the radiograph?
Ensures the emulsion is fully hardened for high-contrast areas
Allows easy handling and long-term storage while maintaining diagnostic image quality
Reduces silver halide retention and increases Dmax
Eliminates the need for washing
Drying is considered which step in the film processing sequence?
Intial
Intermediate
Final
Optional depending on developer type
