What can result from using an improper source-to-film distance?

Using an improper source-to-film distance can create penumbral effects. The penumbra refers to the fuzziness or blurriness at the edges of a radiographic image, which occurs when the source of radiation is not optimally distanced from the film or detector. When the source-to-film distance is too short, the radiation diverges more, resulting in a larger penumbra and less sharp images. This can hinder the clarity of the radiograph, making it difficult to distinguish between areas of interest, particularly in areas where fine details are crucial.

Therefore, maintaining the correct source-to-film distance is essential for achieving the best possible image quality by minimizing these penumbral effects and ensuring that the radiographic image accurately represents the object being inspected.