Which term describes the ability to highlight material differences in a radiographic image?

The term that best describes the ability to highlight material differences in a radiographic image is image contrast. Image contrast refers to the difference in density and brightness levels within the radiographic film or digital image, which allows for the differentiation between various materials or structures. In radiographic testing, high contrast is essential for identifying defects, variations, and material properties, as it enhances the visibility of key features.

Image resolution pertains to the level of detail that can be seen in the radiographic image, affecting how fine or coarse the features appear. Although resolution is important, it does not specifically deal with the differentiation of materials.

Radiographic sensitivity relates to the ability of the imaging system to detect radiation and produce an image but does not directly refer to the ability to differentiate material properties.

Source-to-image distance is a geometric factor that affects image quality and resolution but does not play a role in the contrast of the materials being visualized. Thus, the emphasis on recognizing material differences directly ties to image contrast, making it the correct answer.