On a radiograph, defects closer to the film side of the weld will appear __________.

Defects that are closer to the film side of the weld will appear sharper on a radiograph due to the geometry of the X-ray or gamma-ray penetration and the subsequent exposure of the film. In radiographic testing, the positioning of the weld and the distance from the film affect the image resolution.

When defects occur near the film, the radiation has less material to pass through, resulting in a clearer and more defined image. This increased clarity is due to reduced scattering and attenuation of the radiation, allowing for more precise delineation of the defect’s edges. Consequently, the detail captured on the radiograph is enhanced, leading to a sharper appearance compared to defects located further from the film.

On the contrary, defects situated further away from the film suffer from increased scattering and attenuation, which can lead to a fuzzier image. Understanding these principles is critical for interpreting radiograph results effectively in non-destructive testing of welds.