What is the effect of increased film speed on exposure time and radiation to the patient?

• A. Increases Exposure Time
• B. No Effect On Exposure
• C. Decreases Image Detail
• D. Decreases Exposure Time, Reducing Radiation

Answer: (D)

Film speed is how sensitive a film‑screen system is to X‑ray exposure. When you increase film speed, the system needs less X‑ray energy to produce the same image density. That lets you shorten the exposure time and reduce the radiation the patient receives. In other words, higher speed means less exposure and lower dose.

The other statements don’t fit the main effect: exposure time does not increase with higher speed; it does have an effect on exposure (it reduces it), not no effect; and while very high speed can influence image detail, the key point here is the reduction in exposure and patient radiation.