What term describes the scenario when the film receptor is angled incorrectly, leading to images appearing distorted?

The scenario described involves misalignment of the film receptor, which results in distorted images. This term, "image distortion," encompasses various potential outcomes of improper positioning, including foreshortening or elongation that can occur when the X-ray beam is not perpendicular to the film receptor. In the context of dental radiography, "image distortion" is specifically used to refer to discrepancies in the representation of anatomical structures due to incorrect alignment or angling of the film.

While foreshortening refers to images appearing shorter than they should because the object and film receptor are not parallel, elongation describes images appearing longer due to similar misalignment. Although these are specific forms of distortion, the broader term of image distortion accurately captures any alteration from the true representation caused by improper angling of the film. Thus, choosing "image distortion" effectively encompasses the full range of problems related to incorrect angling of the receptor.

Cone cut, on the other hand, refers specifically to an area on the film that fails to receive radiation due to misalignment of the X-ray tube and film, leading to unexposed or poorly exposed portions of the image, which is a different type of imaging issue compared to the general distortion occurring from angling errors.