Inability to properly align the image receptor with the position-indicating device (PID/cone) is most likely to cause which radiographic error?

When the PID (cone) and the image receptor are not properly aligned, part of the X-ray beam misses the receptor entirely, resulting in a clear, unexposed area on the film/sensor known as a 'cone cut' — the classic, direct consequence of receptor/PID misalignment, distinct from elongation (an angulation problem) or open contacts (a horizontal angulation/positioning issue).