What are the main purposes of the developing solution in processing radiographs?

The primary functions of the developing solution in radiograph processing are focused on enhancing image quality and ensuring the proper development of the film. The correct answer identifies two key actions that the developing solution performs.

First, the developing solution softens the emulsion layer of the film, which is critical for facilitating the development process. This softening allows the developing agents to penetrate and interact more effectively with the silver halide crystals that have been exposed to radiation.

Second, the developing solution reduces the exposed silver halide salts, which results in the formation of metallic silver on the film, creating the dark areas of the radiograph. This process is crucial for converting the latent image created during exposure into a visible image.

In contrast, other choices incorrectly include processes like hardening the emulsion or removing undeveloped silver halide salts, which are not functions of the developing solution. Instead, the hardening of the emulsion typically occurs in the fixing stage of film processing, which helps to preserve the image after development by reducing the emulsion's sensitivity to light.

Understanding these key functions of the developing solution can aid in grasping the overall film processing workflow and the purpose behind each chemical stage involved in developing radiographs.