Final answer:
The term for unsharp edges of tiny radiographic details is 'blur.' This can be caused by surface irregularities or by phenomena such as chromatic aberration. Blur is also manipulated in arts and technology to either create depth or to enhance clarity by minimizing such distortions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe unsharp edges of tiny radiographic details is blur. This blur can occur for various reasons. When the surface becomes irregular and such a surface reflects light in a scattered manner, it causes a blurred image. In a radiographic context, this could result from the movement or scattering of radiation. The concept of blur is also relevant in other fields, such as optics, where chromatic aberration can cause images to appear fuzzy due to different wavelengths focusing at different points.
In the field of art, techniques like sfumato and chiaroscuro intentionally use blurring to create the illusion of three-dimensionality and convey a sense of volume in two-dimensional art forms. Similarly, certain techniques in radiography and telescope use, such as adjusting the detector or eyepiece, might aim to minimize blur and achieve greater clarity in the resulting images.
For instance, in Becquerel's experiment, the fogged photographic plate demonstrates the effect of radiation on the sharpness of the image, resulting in a blur around the shadow of an object that was meant to be sharp. Similarly, the distortion of an image in a TV picture tube caused by electrons moving in tight circles is another example of how blur can affect image clarity.