The film processing step in which the undeveloped silver bromide is removed from the film emulsion is called
Answers
As mentioned previously, radiographic film consists of a transparent, blue-tinted base coated on both sides with an emulsion. The emulsion consists of gelatin containing microscopic, radiation sensitive silver halide crystals, such as silver bromide and silver chloride. When x-rays, gamma rays or light rays strike the the crystals or grains, some of the Br- ions are liberated and captured by the Ag+ ions. In this condition, the radiograph is said to contain a latent (hidden) image because the change in the grains is virtually undetectable, but the exposed grains are now more sensitive to reaction with the developer.
When the film is processed, it is exposed to several different chemicals solutions for controlled periods of time. Processing film basically involves the following five steps.
Development - The developing agent gives up electrons to convert the silver halide grains to metallic silver. Grains that have been exposed to the radiation develop more rapidly, but given enough time the developer will convert all the silver ions into silver metal. Proper temperature control is needed to convert exposed grains to pure silver while keeping unexposed grains as silver halide crystals.
Stopping the development - The stop bath simply stops the development process by diluting and washing the developer away with water.
Fixing - Unexposed silver halide crystals are removed by the fixing bath. The fixer dissolves only silver halide crystals, leaving the silver metal behind.
Washing - The film is washed with water to remove all the processing chemicals.
Drying - The film is dried for viewing.