Which factor affects the overall image quality in radiographic testing?

The factor that affects the overall image quality in radiographic testing is exposure geometry. This refers to the arrangement of the radiation source, the object being radiographed, and the imaging receptor. Proper exposure geometry ensures that the radiation beam is directed appropriately towards the object and that the resulting image captures the necessary detail with minimal distortion.

Exposure geometry includes considerations such as the distance between the radiation source and the object, the alignment of the radiation source with the imaging receptor, and the angle at which the radiation interacts with the material. All these elements contribute to the sharpness, contrast, and clarity of the radiographic image, which are critical for accurate interpretation and evaluation of the test results.

Other factors, such as film brand, development time, and temperature, can influence specific aspects of image quality, like contrast and density, but they are not as fundamental to the foundational quality of the image as exposure geometry, which directly impacts how well the image represents the internal features of the object being examined.