A latent image is defined as?

• A. Image registered on the surface of a material before development
• B. A visible image after processing
• C. A digital image stored on a plate
• D. An image that appears only after chemical processing

Answer: (A)

Latent image is the invisible imprint formed on a photosensitive surface at the moment of exposure. The energy alters the material so that a recognizable pattern exists on the surface, but it cannot be seen yet. It only becomes visible after chemical processing, when the latent changes are amplified into a visible image. This is why the description that specifies the image is registered on the surface before development is the best choice. The other options describe the visible result after processing, digital storage, or a timing that doesn’t capture the invisible, pre-development stage.