What does the term 'film sensitivity' refer to in radiography?

The term 'film sensitivity' in radiography refers specifically to the degree to which film reacts to radiation. This characteristic is crucial because it determines how effectively the film can capture the image based on the radiation exposure it encounters. Higher sensitivity means that the film can produce an image with less radiation, which can be advantageous in reducing the dose to the subject being imaged while still achieving satisfactory image quality.

In practice, sensitive films allow for quicker exposure and the ability to detect finer details in radiographic images, making the assessment of materials and structures more accurate in various applications, such as industrial radiography or medical imaging. Understanding film sensitivity is essential for radiographers and operators, as it directly impacts both the safety and quality of the imaging process.