Final answer:
The latent image loses about 25% of its energy during fixation, after exposure has created the latent image and development has made it visible.
Step-by-step explanation:
The loss of about 25% of the energy of the latent image occurs during the process of fixation. Exposure to radiation makes the film more exposed and is crucial for creating the latent image. During development, the exposed areas become darker, and the image becomes visually detectable on a photographic film. The process of fixation is essential to remove any unexposed and undeveloped silver halide crystals from the film, solidifying the image, but some of the energy from the latent image is also lost during this step. This loss doesn't occur during exposure, as radiation exposure creates the latent image. Densitometry is used to measure the optical density of the developed film and does not involve a loss of energy from the latent image.