What is the correct sequence of chemical processing steps?

The correct sequence of chemical processing steps in radiography is crucial for ensuring the quality and integrity of the developed images. The process begins with the development stage, where the latent image on the radiographic film is turned into a visible image by the developer solution. This is where the exposed silver halide crystals are reduced to metallic silver.

Following development, the film must be washed to remove any residual developer which, if left on, could lead to further unwanted development and spoil the image quality. After washing, the film is immersed in the fixer solution. The fixer halts the development process by removing any unexposed silver halide crystals, ensuring that the image is preserved and no further changes occur.

Finally, another washing step is performed to remove any fixing agent from the film, followed by the drying process which prepares the film for handling and viewing.

Thus, the correct sequence includes development, washing, fixing, an additional washing step, and lastly drying, which aligns with the choice provided.