In automatic film processing, which step comes first?

In automatic film processing, which step comes first?

• A. Develop
• B. Fix
• C. Wash
• D. Dry

Answer: (A)

Development comes first because the latent image created by exposure is invisible until the silver halide crystals that were exposed are reduced to metallic silver. The developer chemically converts those exposed grains, revealing the image as tonal density on the film. After that, the fixer removes unexposed silver halide from the emulsion and stabilizes the image so it won’t continue to darken. Washing then rinses away all processing chemicals, and drying finishes by removing moisture to yield a stable, printable radiographic image.

Development comes first because the latent image created by exposure is invisible until the silver halide crystals that were exposed are reduced to metallic silver. The developer chemically converts those exposed grains, revealing the image as tonal density on the film. After that, the fixer removes unexposed silver halide from the emulsion and stabilizes the image so it won’t continue to darken. Washing then rinses away all processing chemicals, and drying finishes by removing moisture to yield a stable, printable radiographic image.