An inability to align the image receptor with the position-indicating device (PID) during dental radiography MOST likely causes which error?

Correct answer: A. Cone cut (partial image — part of the receptor is not exposed)

• A. Correct. A CONE CUT occurs when the X-ray beam (from the PID/tube head) does not fully cover the image receptor placed intraorally. This happens when the receptor and PID are misaligned — part of the image is unexposed (appears clear/white or dark depending on film/sensor type). The PID is meant to align the beam with the receptor.
• B. Open contacts result from incorrect horizontal angulation of the beam, not misalignment of PID with the receptor.
• C. Foreshortening results from excessive vertical angulation (tube too steep) — not a PID-receptor alignment error.
• D. Elongation results from insufficient vertical angulation (tube too flat/horizontal) — not a PID-receptor alignment error.