ASNT Radiographic Testing Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Increasing kilovoltage (kV) in radiographic testing affects the penetration ability of X-rays used in the radiography process. As kilovoltage is increased, the energy of the X-rays also increases. This higher energy allows the X-rays to penetrate denser materials more effectively and reduces the extent to which different materials can absorb the radiation.

When the kilovoltage is high, the penetration power of the X-rays becomes less dependent on the material's atomic number or density. While lower kilovoltage may result in significant differences in absorption between different materials, higher kilovoltage levels lead to a more uniform penetration across various materials. This results in less variation in the radiographic display based on material composition, as most substances become less opaque to the high-energy X-rays.

Thus, the correct choice reflects that an increase in kilovoltage reduces, or tends to decrease, the dependence on material composition when it comes to the absorption properties during radiographic testing. This understanding is critical for radiographers as it influences the selection of kilovoltage settings based on the materials being tested.