Final answer:
Scatter radiation does indeed decrease radiographic contrast due to the Compton effect, which scatters X-ray photons, decreases image clarity, and makes it difficult to distinguish between similar tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, scatter radiation does decrease radiographic contrast. When X-rays penetrate the body during imaging, some are absorbed and others are scattered in different directions. This scattered radiation is caused primarily by the Compton effect, where X-ray photons collide with electrons and lose energy, resulting in an increase in their wavelength. Such scattered X-rays can hit the detector from various angles, creating a fogging effect and reducing the clarity and contrast of the image. The loss of image contrast makes it harder to distinguish between tissues of similar densities. The significance of this effect is that it can obscure important anatomical details. To reduce scatter and preserve image quality, various methods like collimation, using grids, or digital post-processing techniques are applied.