If the temperature of the developing solution is slightly below normal, how can adequate density be obtained?

When the temperature of the developing solution is slightly below normal, the chemical reactions involved in the development process slow down. This can lead to underexposed radiographs with inadequate density, as the developing agents do not have enough energy to effectively reduce the exposed silver halide crystals.

To compensate for this lower temperature and ensure proper film density, it is necessary to increase the developing time. By extending the time the film is in the developing solution, the development process can proceed for a longer duration, allowing the chemicals to effectively interact with the exposed areas of the film. This additional time allows for sufficient reduction of the silver halide crystals to produce the desired density on the film.

On the other hand, options such as longer or shorter fixing times, or shorter developing times may not address the issue adequately. Fixing time is primarily related to the removal of unexposed silver halide crystals from the film, which is separate from the development process. Reducing the developing time would further inhibit the development process, especially at lower temperatures, leading to less density, rather than helping to achieve adequate density. Therefore, extending the developing time is the most effective approach in this situation.