A radiographic film shows dark wavy lines scattered across the image. The most likely cause is:

Correct answer: D. Film bending artifact during packet opening

• A. Static electricity produces lightning-bolt-like branching lines — not wavy scattered lines.
• B. Chemical contamination causes irregular dark spots or streaking in specific patterns, not scattered wavy lines.
• C. Light exposure causes overall film darkening (fog), not localized dark lines.
• D. Correct. Dark lines scattered on a radiograph are classic bending artifacts. When a film or sensor is bent or creased during handling or placement, the silver halide crystals are activated, producing dark lines at the crease sites.