If the milliampere (mA) is increased while keeping the kilovolt peak (kVp) and exposure time constant, what happens to the resulting film?

Increasing the milliampere (mA) while keeping the kilovolt peak (kVp) and exposure time constant results in a darker film. The milliampere setting directly affects the quantity of x-rays produced during the exposure. When mA is increased, a greater number of x-rays are generated, which increases the exposure of the film.

As more x-rays hit the film, there is greater ionization of the film emulsion, leading to more blackening during development. This is because the film is more exposed to radiation, resulting in increased density in the developed film image. Therefore, with higher mA, the film absorbs more radiation and develops with greater blackness, making it darker compared to a film exposed at a lower mA.

The other options don't accurately reflect the result of having increased mA. A lighter film would suggest less exposure to radiation, while an unchanged film implies no change in exposure, which is inconsistent with increasing mA. Additionally, increased mA does not inherently develop more contrast; although more exposure can impact contrast, it primarily affects the film's overall density.