What is the role of the fixing solution in X-ray developing?

The role of the fixing solution in X-ray developing primarily involves removing unexposed silver halide crystals. This solution is crucial in the development process because it ensures that only the areas of the film that have been exposed to radiation during the imaging process remain.

When the film is developed, the exposed silver halide crystals undergo a chemical reaction to form a visible image, while the unexposed crystals must be removed to prevent fogging or unwanted exposure, which could degrade the quality of the image. The fixing solution contains agents that dissolve these unexposed crystals, effectively "fixing" the image onto the film and making it safe for exposure to light.

In addition to its primary role in removing unexposed crystals, the fixing solution also stabilizes the image, allowing it to be viewed and handled without further alteration or degradation. Thus, the fixing solution is an essential component of the X-ray developing process, ensuring clarity and stability of the final image.