What term describes the relative sensitivity of film to a given amount of radiation?

The term that describes the relative sensitivity of film to a given amount of radiation is film speed. Film speed, often referred to in the context of photographic films and various types of imaging film, quantifies how quickly a film can react to light or radiation. This sensitivity is an important characteristic, as higher film speed indicates that the film requires less exposure to radiation to achieve a proper image, while lower film speed indicates that more exposure is necessary.

Film speed is typically measured using ISO standards, where a higher ISO number indicates greater sensitivity to radiation. This concept is fundamental in the fields of radiography and photography, as it influences how films are chosen and used based on the specific requirements of imaging situations.

Understanding film speed is crucial for optimizing image quality and ensuring that adequate exposure is achieved, which is essential in various applications, including medical imaging and industrial radiography.