What is the correct action if radiographic films stick together during processing?

When radiographic films stick together during processing, the correct action is to agitate the film gently during immersion. This gentle agitation helps ensure that the developer solution can adequately penetrate between the films, allowing for even processing and preventing areas of under-development. Agitation can facilitate the flow of the developing solution around and between the films, minimizing the risk of sticking and ensuring that all surfaces of the film are uniformly exposed to the chemicals needed for proper development.

The other options do not effectively address the problem of films sticking together. Leaving the films in the developer longer could lead to over-development and higher contrast, which may compromise image quality. Increasing the temperature of the developing solution could also result in over-development, producing images that are too dark and losing detail. Allowing the films to soak in water might temporarily separate them, but it does not promote proper chemical interaction, which is critical for developing quality images. Therefore, gentle agitation is the best practice to prevent films from sticking and to ensure optimal processing results.