What is the other term for step wedge?

The correct answer is the alternative term for a step wedge is "penetrometer." A step wedge is an optical device that consists of a series of steps or increments of known thickness used to test the sensitivity of film or to calibrate a radiographic imaging system. The penetrometer serves a similar function; it is a device designed to assess the response of radiographic film and helps in determining the minimum exposure needed to produce a certain level of density on film.

This comparison highlights that the penetrometer effectively evaluates the film’s sensitivity to X-rays in the same way that the step wedge does. It enables the radiographic technician or the imaging professional to understand the exposure requirements for specific imaging tasks, thus ensuring better quality in imaging results.

The other options provided do not serve the same purpose as a step wedge or penetrometer. A densitometer measures the optical density or light transmission of a film; a sensitometer is used to assess the sensitivity of photographic films to light; and an ammeter measures electric current. Therefore, these terms are not interchangeable with step wedge, which is specifically related to film exposure and evaluation.