During processing, which step fixes the image by hardening and stabilizing it?

During processing, which step fixes the image by hardening and stabilizing it?

• A. Developing
• B. Rinsing
• C. Fixing
• D. Washing

Answer: (C)

Hardening and stabilizing the image happens during the fixing step. After the image is exposed and developed, the fixer removes any unexposed silver halide from the emulsion and helps harden the gelatin coating. This makes the image permanent and less sensitive to further light exposure, so it won’t continue to develop or fade when handled or stored. The developing step is what creates the visible image by reducing exposed silver halide, while rinsing and washing mainly remove chemicals from the film or print rather than fixing the image.

Hardening and stabilizing the image happens during the fixing step. After the image is exposed and developed, the fixer removes any unexposed silver halide from the emulsion and helps harden the gelatin coating. This makes the image permanent and less sensitive to further light exposure, so it won’t continue to develop or fade when handled or stored. The developing step is what creates the visible image by reducing exposed silver halide, while rinsing and washing mainly remove chemicals from the film or print rather than fixing the image.