In a radiograph, something dense like bone or metal will typically show up as what color?

In a radiograph, dense materials such as bone or metal will typically appear white. This is because dense substances absorb a majority of the X-rays that pass through them. The X-ray film or digital sensor detects fewer X-rays in these areas due to this absorption, resulting in a lighter or white appearance on the imaging. In contrast, less dense materials, like soft tissues or air, allow more X-rays to pass through, leading to darker areas on the radiograph. Understanding this concept is crucial for interpreting radiographs, as recognizing the varying densities helps in identifying different anatomical structures and potential abnormalities.