ASNT Radiographic Testing Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

When kilovoltage is increased during radiograph production, subject contrast decreases. This phenomenon occurs because higher kilovoltage generates more penetrating power in the radiation beam. As the energy of the x-rays increases, the ability of the x-rays to pass through the subject improves, resulting in a more homogeneous exposure.

In terms of subject contrast, this means that the differences in radiation absorption between various materials in the subject become less pronounced. Consequently, areas of differing densities may appear similar in the radiograph, leading to a reduction in the ability to distinguish between them clearly. This loss of contrast is particularly noticeable when evaluating materials with subtle density variations.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for radiographic testing, as achieving the appropriate subject contrast is essential for accurately interpreting the resulting images and detecting any flaws or imperfections within the material being examined.