Which of the following is a control factor that affects the contrast in a radiographic image?

Kilovolt peak (kVp) is a critical control factor that affects the contrast in a radiographic image. It determines the penetration power of the X-rays generated during exposure. Higher kVp settings increase the energy of the X-ray beam, which can lead to a broader range of densities on the radiograph. This results in a lower contrast image, as the differences between various tissues or structures are less pronounced. Conversely, lower kVp settings produce X-rays with less penetration ability, yielding higher contrast images, where differences in tissue densities are more easily distinguished.

Understanding kVp as a control factor is essential for radiographic technique, as it affects not only the quality of the image but also aspects like patient dose and image noise. Adjusting kVp to optimize contrast is a fundamental concept within radiographic imaging.