Final answer:
The kind of radiographic film responding specifically to x-radiation and not to the light from intensifying screens is single-emulsion film. These films have a layer of emulsion on one side suitable for x-ray based imaging.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question is a) Single-emulsion film. A single-emulsion film is designed to respond specifically to x-radiation and not to the light emitted from intensifying screens. This is because the alternative, double-emulsion film, is sensitive to light from both sides and is generally used with intensifying screens to enhance the imaging process with visible light. The single-emulsion film has a layer of radiation-sensitive emulsion on only one side, which makes it less susceptible to light from intensifying screens and particularly suitable for capturing images based solely on the interaction with x-radiation.
Understanding the characteristics of different types of radiographic film and their applications is crucial for effectively utilizing them in medical and scientific fields. In the history of science, pioneers like Henri Becquerel and Wilhelm Roentgen have used the properties of photographic film's reaction to radiation to make groundbreaking discoveries, such as Roentgen's finding that x-rays can expose film even when wrapped in dark paper.