What effect does excessive temperature difference in darkroom solutions have?

Excessive temperature differences in darkroom solutions can lead to reticulation, which is a phenomenon where the film emulsion expands and contracts too rapidly due to abrupt temperature changes. This results in a cracked or uneven surface texture on the film, creating a mottled appearance that significantly affects the quality of the final radiographic image.

When the film is developed in solutions that are at vastly different temperatures, the emulsion does not have the chance to uniformly adjust. Instead, parts of the film may experience thermal shock, leading to warping or distortion. This creates an undesirable effect that can ultimately compromise the diagnostic value of the radiograph.

Thus, maintaining consistent temperatures in the darkroom solutions is crucial for achieving optimal film development and avoiding issues such as reticulation, ensuring high-quality radiographic images.