What effect does ionizing radiation have on a Film Badge's emulsion?

Ionizing radiation interacts with the emulsion of a film badge by causing a chemical change in the photographic material. When ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, passes through the film badge, it interacts with the silver halide crystals within the emulsion layer. This interaction results in the formation of metallic silver in areas exposed to radiation, thus creating a latent image that can be developed to reveal the level of radiation exposure.

The chemical change is crucial because it is this alteration that makes it possible to assess the extent of radiation exposure after the film is developed. The darker the exposed areas of the film, the greater the dose of radiation that was encountered. This property is what makes film badges an effective tool for monitoring radiation exposure in environments where employees might be at risk due to ionizing radiation.

In contrast, options suggesting a decrease in sensitivity or changes in brightness or color do not accurately represent the fundamental effect of ionizing radiation on the film's emulsion. Sensitivity refers to the ability of the film to capture changes in exposure, which remains relevant throughout its use, while alterations in brightness or color do not directly reflect the nature of how radiation modifies the film.